In the centre of Cocking village, immediately below the South Downs Way, and now owned by the local community, the Blue Bell at Cocking is a welcoming free house, serving fresh local produce and a choice of local ales, and excellent coffee. We have a garden with Downs views and are dog friendly in our public areas.
We are also an official South Downs Information Point, providing comprehensive information on the surrounding area, and offer cycle repair facilities on site. The Blue Bell has three lovely rooms available for bed and breakfast accommodation. They all have newly refurbished en-suite bathrooms and are a mix of double and twin rooms.
We are also an official South Downs Information Point, providing comprehensive information on the surrounding area, and offer cycle repair facilities on site. The Blue Bell has three lovely rooms available for bed and breakfast accommodation. They all have newly refurbished en-suite bathrooms and are a mix of double and twin rooms.
Services
You can also visit the Experience West Sussex website which showcases the best active days, new experiences, back-to-nature family outings, and cultural encounters in the county. The South Downs Way is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales and was the first bridleway National Trail in England.
In the heart of the South Downs National Park, just off the South Downs Way, the Blue Bell at Cocking is the perfect place to begin a walk or bike ride. The landscape of green rolling pastures, wide open spaces and ancient woodlands features many bridleways and cycle paths, and the area is perfect for walking (with or without a canine friend), there are options to suit all abilities.
Blue Bell Community Hub Ltd is a Community Benefit Society regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is fully owned by its members who all have voting rights and are all shareholders; most of its members are from the local area. It is managed through a steering committee. The Society owns and has secured the Blue Bell for the future enjoyment of all.
The Blue Bell is a community-run village pub, restaurant, caf with bed and breakfast accommodation in Cocking, West Sussex. The Bluebell, as it was then called, was put up for sale, the previous tenant surrendering the lease to move on to pastures new. A sad time for the locals that used the Bluebell as the pub closed its doors for the last time.
From the very start the BBCH has had tremendous support from a wide variety of organisations both local and national. We owe them a great debt of gratitude as without them this project would never have seen the light of day. The support has come in the form of initial advice, planning, regulatory set up, grant, loans and moral support.
Reviews (10)
Jim Whitton
Nov 29, 2021
Report
Dean Oldershaw
Nov 08, 2021
Report
Fantastic pub, amazing staff great food and great prices. The Bar manager Sue is really lovely and so helpful. Great access just off the main road, the garden is well kept and very nice. Nice clean facilities within and also disabled access as well which is nice to see. Highly recommend this pub for couples or even families alike.
Patricia Bell
Sep 30, 2021
Report
My partner and I had a delicious meal here the other evening, all freshly prepared. My partner had pie of the day, he said it was tasty.
I had fishcake bap, which was fantastic as it was two small pieces of cod made into the fishcake, what a refreshing change served with salad and chunky chips. Delicious, and we met and have some new friends too!
So we will definitely be back.
Lots of choice on the menu plus specials too.
I had fishcake bap, which was fantastic as it was two small pieces of cod made into the fishcake, what a refreshing change served with salad and chunky chips. Delicious, and we met and have some new friends too!
So we will definitely be back.
Lots of choice on the menu plus specials too.
Brett Craddock
Aug 30, 2021
Report
Short walk down a byway from the Manor Farm campsite. Very well presented and friendly pub, landlord was chatty and knew the local area. Power points with USB charging for my gadgets which is very handy if your camping. Lovely Sunday Dinner, just what I needed after a long day on the trail. Recommended.
Paul Smith
Aug 11, 2021
Report
My wife and I visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I had driven past many times before it was turned into a community pub but never got around to visiting.
Once it reopened I was determined to put that right, then Covid rather threw a spanner in the works
The wait I’m pleased to say was well worth it, outstanding food that was only bettered by the welcome and service. We will definitely be returning
Once it reopened I was determined to put that right, then Covid rather threw a spanner in the works
The wait I’m pleased to say was well worth it, outstanding food that was only bettered by the welcome and service. We will definitely be returning
Lee Ched
Aug 09, 2021
Report
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Blue Bell on the weekend. The staff were really friendly and catering towards our needs. The Ham Hock Roast was incredibly tasty and filling. Very generous portion sizes at a reasonable price too.
The outside garden is very relaxed and well kept.
The pub is easily accessible just off the main road and has easy disabled access and toilet around the site.
Would gladly visit again when back in the area!
The outside garden is very relaxed and well kept.
The pub is easily accessible just off the main road and has easy disabled access and toilet around the site.
Would gladly visit again when back in the area!
Will Archibald
Aug 01, 2021
Report
Micheal
Jul 26, 2021
Report
Charles Deacon
Jul 11, 2021
Report
Most welcome stop after a tough day on the South Downs Way. Friendly and attentive service with excellent food and drink at affordable prices. At £13 the Moroccan style lamb chop special was a steal. Friends spoke highly of their fish and chips. Complete with good local cask beer which hit the spot perfectly. Understand this pub closed but re-opened recently as a community venture and all the better for it. Worth a stop if you're in the area.
Matthew Lenik
Jul 01, 2021
Report
My brothers and I stayed at the Blue Bell a night whilst cycling the South Downs way. It was an oasis after a very gruelling day. The management are friendly and helpful. The food and drink amazing (we consumed a lot of both!) And the beds very comfortable. A definite recommendation!! I love that the village as a whole bought the pub and saved it from demolition. Well done on creating such a welcoming atmosphere!