The Hen and Chicken ... Southwater
Telephone 01403 730349 · Map · Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 158 276
Description
The Hen and Chicken has been a pub from 1850 and the premises date from 1742. It is a cosy pub with log fire, restaurant area and garden. The bars contain several low sofas that could be/are attractive after you have cycled here. There is a jazz night once a month and a charity quiz night on Sundays.
The pub is a big supporter of one of the local breweries that started after the demise of King and Barnes and it sells Horsham Best Bitter from King and Company and several other beers from different breweries. When I was there recently, they served Brains SA from Wales during the Six Nations rugby tournament.
How to get there
By car
Southwater is a 1-2 miles south of Horsham and the pub is only minute or so from the A24.
Cycling
The best mixed off/on-road route is via Pedlars Way [end of Queensway]. From Brighton Road in Horsham, cycle down Queensway to the end of the road. Turn left down a dip, under the railway bridge and up the track towards Chesworth Farm. Pedlars Way bridleway goes through the farm and then up hill to Southwater Street.
Turn right at the top of Pedlars Way and cycle over the A24 to the mini roundabout. Turn right here and the pub is found on the right - before the A24 Hop Oast roundabout.
The shortest route from Horsham is to cycle up Worthing Road [can be busy] past the Boars Head pub on the right. Across the, very busy, A24 Hop Oast roundabout and then right at the next smaller roundabout to Southwater. The pub is on the left about 1 mile [1.6 km] after the A24.
Suggested cycling routes from here
From the pub, turn right towards Horsham. After a short distance there is a, narrow, bridleway on the left, behind some houses, which leads to Christ's Hospital and then the Downs Link bridleway.
or turn left from the pub through Southwater village, past the Cock pub on the right, and then turn right into Shipley Road for a route to the George and Dragon at Dragon's Green.
or pick up the Downs Link bridleway in Southwater village and cycle south, towards Copsale and the White Horse at Maplehurst, or north to the Bax Castle at Two Mile Ash [near Christ's Hospital].
Your reviews
Disclaimer: All reviews and ratings on this website are personal opinions by pub-goers. Horsham Pub Guide publishes comments at our editorial discretion but we are not responsible for comments made.
Score 
I have dined in this pub many times over the years as the village is a nice place to cycle to from the Downs Link. The latest management team have put a great amount of time and effort into this lovely pub and I would highly recommend it for a visit. All food is good and the locals are as warm as the log fire.
Score 
Recently returned after a long absence. Still very quiet (Wednesday night) but received a warm welcome (literally, as the log fire was blazing away!). The lone barman was very friendly and there was a good selection of real ales on tap. I will make an effort to return again more regularly!
Older reviews
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Me and my wife found this pub after going to see Trapper a month or so back. The food is delicious and they keep their Sunday specials updated on their website which is good to see. The staff have always been extremely friendly and the blend of locals makes the place a nice pleasant atmosphere.
Pub score 
- No Good · - Excellent
