The Empress Bar in Arun

Saturday evening 29th and we visited this riverside bar as we were attending a birthday party being held here. We really liked the qwerky and zany decor and fixtures around the establishment, spent some time just walking about looking around. The food that was catered for the party was well presented, lots of it and tasty. The staff were friendly and attentive, the bar was clean and well maintained. Perhaps the drinks were a bit more expensive than we are accustomed to, no surprise really due to it’s location.

Has been a fabulous month of Sunday afternoon live music. Thoroughly enjoyable. Although we did not eat, a menu is available and the prawns look good. Noticed many ate fish&chips... Would recommend. (Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.) Lovely staff.

We love it there, friendly staff, great food and amazing views of the river

Nice refreshing drinks and great atmosphere! Dogs are allowed in the outside area which is always a benefit 💖👏🏻

Food was nice... when it arrived, one particular member of staff was extremely rude when we asked how long the food would be. Very disappointing.

Beautiful place great staff clean and very friendly

A very poor state of affairs by all accounts! My family went to have lunch today at 12:30 shortly after it opened and the place was fairly empty . They had a table of three and made a decision once the menu was finally given to them ! The options chosen were two burgers and loaded fries and salad x1 plus loaded chips. Not a complicated order by any stretch of the imagination. You paid prior to the meal and they were asked if they wanted the loaded chips as a starter - which again should not have caused an issue to timing either- so agreed yes. Thankfully they did as 40 minutes later the “starter” arrived! Nice chips but not worth the waiting time …. Then after a further 20 minutes they went ask what’s happening with their mains? After some confusion by the staff ( or as an excuse) to how the meals were ordered - which was clearly stated - everything was ordered on one bill and paid for together. They didn’t apologise in fact were quite affronted at the suggestion that there was a mistake made ….the owner cleared the starter plates and was quite rude in his manner & certainly no sign of apology for the wait. By this time the families that had arrived after had finished and left before their starter arrived! Then when the meals ( at long last!!) were brought they were escorted by the security guard! Was he on hand to ensure no trouble was brewing ? He had no idea what the matter was - the meals were being served … what’s the big deal attitude. I’m just shocked that you would leave paying (paid) guests for so long without apologising for the delay and no sweeteners to ease the customer . A very frosty manager or owner , short staffed in kitchen (staff told them) and bad service. However, on a good note the food was good once it arrived! Most of the nice weather being missed by being inside a rather quirky dark venue… they left after 2:30. What a shame that it tainted the day out to Littlehampton .

Great place to go if you want a good night out

Ok pub down by the riverside, reasonable prices for drinks , no Aircon but had an outside seating area so on a nice evening can sit outside and enjoy the drinks and view of the harbour.

Nice pub with a great view of the Harbour. Was easy to sit outside and watch the world go by. Food looked really good but we didn't get to eat due to time.

Great location and a great menu

Brilliant private party great place for a party

A dirty pub. Dog hairs all over the carpet and furniture. Fair enough allowing dogs in, as virtually every pub on our tour has done so far, but customers shouldn't leave covered in dog hairs. Old spilt drink stains all over the woodwork some of which were mouldy. Cigarette and vape machine on the premises with the brand advertising clearly visible. Cigarettes on direct sale to the public is illegal.

Lovely lunch We were there quite early on a winter Sunday ...but got good vibes and will be back

The coolest, qurkiest, friendliest bar on the south coast, plus great food!

Having ventured into this bar , on Christmas day , and only living a couple minutes away , I found this a good experience, every where tidy, Clean, good service I believe the lady who runs the bar that served me , very charming, courteous,a pleasure to talk to, I know I should make more use, of this fab place ,and wonderful views . Many Thanks

Good beer , good service . Didn't have any food so not able to comment

Told to eat my food while holding my dog on its lead. I explained that should tricky. So they had a meeting and decided that I could tether dog to chair. After I’d eaten a rather butch lady with tattoos further harassed me by stating that if I wanted to stay with the dog while the live music was on. I’d have to sit outside in the cold. All the while I was THE only customer in the establishment. Emily and Page lovely. Security and manager OCD with the controlling conduct.

Told to keep hold of dog on a lead. This was tricky as I’d ordered food. Agreed that I could tether do to chair. After I’d eaten lady with tattoos carried this anti dog thing on but staring I’m to sit outside when music starts. All this when I was the only person in the establishment. Not returning.

Sat outside in the sunshine to enjoy our lunch. The sandwiches were huge & came with chips and salad. The location is lovely and the staff were friendly. This is the third visit for us, and we weren't disappointed.

Very friendly bar staff who were really accommodating to our gluten-free needs. Food was tasty and great value. Quirky interior and nice views of the water.

Quirky pub on the riverside in Littlehampton. A lovely place to sit and watch the happenings in the Harbour.

Looks nice from the outside so it would rude to just walk passed. Nice friendly place good decor and a refreshing pint.

Great atmosphere and singer/band to dance with on Saturday evenings

Lovely hot, freshly cooked food. Friendly, helpful staff and good price.

Nice. Had a bottle of Blush wine but they had no ice 😕

Seems more like a evening venue, not alot of tables inside for seating. We had Stopped for somewhere to eat with the kids. Didn't have a kids menu, but got them something of the normal. No highchairs, but very nice lady brought over some colouring books for the kids which was very nice. The food was lovely. Price average, we had burgers which were home made and highly recommend! Would go back, probably without the kids! 🤣

Only stopped for drinks, if warm enough you can sit outside looking over the water watching the boats coming & going. Inside is really interesting lots of lovely photos of celebrities.

Nice pint, the place does entertainment in the evenings

Outside tables have a good view but the inside is a bit dark and soulless

LIttlehampton’s finest. Shiny tables. Very comfortable sofas. Quotes motivated me. And very excellent views. I want to come back for more. Much more.

Great music venue lovely team who look after you well / thanks Tee x

We went to the Empress to watch an Elvis tribute night, so didn’t eat other than a portion of chips. It was a thriving restaurant though, and everyone looked very happy and the food looked good. The chap serving the food was lovely and chatty and polite. The lady behind the bar was really welcoming and kind and she came and found us to let us know when a table was free. Elvis was fab and everyone looked to be having a great time. Good spot in Littlehampton too.

A lovely place to stop for a drink.

Just had a delivery and oh my god was amazing all of it 😋

Lived near this place for 4 yrs first time going in. Was very surprised how nice it was. Didn't eat there but said we'd go back and try it. Lovely decor inside, dog friendly. Sat outside on some very uncomfortable benches!! I always thought it was a Chinese restaurant 🤔 but I think it's just the name making me think that. Great find, on a sunny day, sit outside near the harbour.

Stylish and friendly bar in a great location on the river. Must be one of the best places in Littlehampton for a pre dinner drink.

Best Burgers and definitely the best chips in the Universe! Best selection of beers & ales!

We visited The Empress Bar specifically to see the live band that were playing. The staff we’re extremely friendly and helpful. Fantastic atmosphere. The live band, Southern Bandits, were brilliant.

The Empress is in a lovely location along the river Arun. Warm and friendly welcome with plenty of seating inside and out. There was a good range of drinks, however, the signage outage which says ‘tap house’ is a little misleading as it doesn’t have a wide range of ales on compared to others with the same description. Good for a stop off on a walk along the river.

Great atmosphere great food x definitely going back :-)

We visited today quite by accident.... literally. My son tripped over outside the restaurant and cut his hand and bumped his head (no fault of the restaurant at all) We went inside the restaurant and they were so kind and helpful and got my son an ice pack for his head and a glass of water. We stayed there for some time whilst our son calmed down and they kept checking on us. We then decided to stay for some lunch and they were so accommodating for our son even though they did not have a specific kids menu. The food was amazing and the chicken signature burger was delicious. We usually look up restaurants on Tripadvisor first and we did not today but we were so pleased with the service, quality of food and the staff's kindness.

First time here, bit of a bespoke bar .Different seating areas, with different themes. Good setting alongside the river.

Love this place. Beautifully furnished and friendly people.

Work colleagues of mine have stumbled across this place in a bid to avoid other work colleague's haunts haha for drinks and a catch up. We've been meeting here just over a year now and in November was the first time we ordered food. One of my friends is gluten free, and although they don't have gluten free menu items as such when I called ahead they promised they would have several dishes on the menu that would be able to be GF. Excellent!! My Gf friend said her deconstructed chicken burger was delicious. Me and the other friend both went for garlic prawns with chips and salad. Quite possibly the best garlic prawns I've ever had in the UK. Taking the first bite was like I was in Greece. Delicious charcoal flavour with garlic butter and fresh seafood it was to die for. They happily welcomed my friends dog as it was bonfire night and let him sit on the couch next to us as he was scared. 10/10 for the empress it's "our" place and we will be back again and again. I've since been with my husband to watch the live bands and have a drink. It's a lovely location ran by lovely people.

What a cosy friendly atmosphere in a perfect setting

Lovely position, beautiful view and prompt service.

Very nice food and great views 👌

Very interesting bar on the estuary promenade

Lovey ambiance good value drinks in a superb location I didnt dine in but the food i saw looked plentiful and delicious I will definatly be back

Wonderful venue Wonderful staff.

Brilliant location on the waterside and well worth a stop during a river bank stroll.

Great view first visit since lockdown. Pleased they survived

A totally awesome place! So friendly and nice. The sunset was bonus!

Shame the Top chef can't get from London to la to do his shift on my visit, was looking forward to the amazing menu........

Absolutely banging place and chilled out for a nice meal,especially if you want to take your lady out for the night.

Really quirky and friendly place. Well worth a visit. Loved the different Gin options!

Great location. Cool looking bar inside. Sat outside overlooking the river Excellent food. Will visit again.

Good selection of Beers, Lagers and ciders. Nice decor and toilets. Friendly staff. Lovely views of the harbour.

Always a good place to stop off at, the views are lovely, the staff a great. All in all a good place to visit, you'll be made welcome by friendly staff.

What a gem this place is. We went Saturday for a drink. Ended up having 4. Lovely inside and out great service, decent prices. Deffantly be returning

The food was lovely, completely different quality to the London's one to be honest. Recommended definitively! ✅️ Greeting from the cyclist team🚲

A great place to relax, nice service

This place is a little gem ,we drove down from London for an evening walk along the beach then my sister fancied a pudding and we found The Empress 4hours later we had something to eat Plus a dance along with live Music What a fabulous evening

Great situation on the river. Pity glasses are streaky and stained brown. (Check dishwasher...this can't be difficult!)

Popped in for a drink stayed all evening great service and live music

We had an impromptu meal and would definitely come back again. Food excellent, service was brilliant and music good. Eat in or outside. A little jem over looking the River Arun.

Unimpressed with the Empress littlehampton placed an order online on JustEat today and when my order arrived I was missing a few items and it was stone cold then call the restaurant and spoke to someone who claim to be the manager this chap has not the first clue about management or customer service and I would avoid this restaurant would avoid ordering on any of the platforms from this restaurant it was a total waste of money and I’m extremely disappointed once again avoid avoid avoid

Very quirky menu with a large drinks selection. Either the taps were faulty or the waitress didn't have a clue how to pour, you shouldn't need a (dirty) spoon to scoup the head off beer. We didn't eat here, but the food looked and smelt good.

Great friendly pub with excellent service

Such a nice place, cosy qwerky.. love it... beers could do with being a tad cheaper than I'd drink more lol.. would recommend a visit even more so when Emma Cranham is singing

Amazing quality food & drinks, lots of options. Love the decor, views and service! Highly recommended and will definatly return soon 👌 👍.

Wow, just been to The Empress and what a hidden gem. The staff are amazing, friendly and welcoming the the chef, Ali is a genius. We had seven of us just turn up today and they fitted us in and gave us six star service all the way. I honestly couldn't recommend this place highly enough and will definitely be coming back. Will be back for the live music on Saturdays as well. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

Abselout joke. Went in to have a drink and order some nibbles (bread, olives and nuts board) 1st I asked the difference between 2 boards got a reply "your asking me? I work in the bar not kitchen" this came from the older lady white white hair (owner/manager I assume). So ended up ordering the board stated above. I paid at 17:21 I asked how long it was going to be and they said it was bwing plated up at 17:45 still no board. Requested money back again owner/manager did not even look at us when her employee asked about a refund then under her breath said "they only waited 5 mintes" never going back there again. The younger lady was nice but that's about it.

Friendly staff, put on good entertainment

A delicious meal and amazing cocktail! Very friendly staff and free glass of prosecco too for Mother’s Day 😊 A beautiful view across the river with the sun setting as well.

Lovely relaxing atmosphere, good food, great views 👍

Dog friendly. Welcoming staff. Good selection of beer and spirits. Cosy place to chill or meet friends. Highly recomend if your in Littlehampton.

Good atmosphere next to the river Arundel even withoutany music or other forms of entertainment. Bit disappointed about not getting anything to eat on Sunday evening as the cook lives in London. Please click on like if this was helpful.

Lovely evening with a good selection of drinks and cocktails. Nice background music. Very lovely bar which is unique and different from other bars in the area. We will definitely return when we are next in Littlehampton. We didn't try the food as we had already eaten but look forward to doing so in the future.

Lovely friendly pub,great decor, great variety of beers, ciders and spirits,food is highly recommended, highly recommended pub.

Really good food that was tasty and well made. Atmosphere and appearance was very much relaxing.

Popped in during a very wet and windy December Saturday and was amazed at the interior. The bar person was so friendly and very welcoming. Gave us a run down of what the bar was, what we could get, how long were we staying, what was good etc. A really good experience

Really disappointed. We'd passed this place one evening and asked if it was dog friendly, a lovely woman (member of staff) told us it was. So we decided to go back the next day for a few drinks and a bite to eat. This was when some lockdown restrictions were still in place. As there was a couple getting served at the bar we waited our turn to be told by a rude barman, shaking his head, it was table service only. We went to a table, there were only two other occupied tables, and waited...and waited...and waited. During this time we saw two other people get served at the bar ams the barman look over and look away again. We had intended on settled in and spending a few quid on food and drink. We left and spent it elsewhere. Somewhere where there wasn't a loudmouth customer effin and jeffin in front of kids and going unchallenged. We live in a town that relies on visitor income, not a good advert.

Friendly, sociable bar. Great atmosphere and excellent singers and bands on Saturday evenings. Food by chef Ali is great and reasonably priced. Not a huge selection but that actually is better as easier to choose!!!

Good, service and great food and live music!

Place seemed nice,but service and food was very slow and below average,also very overpriced and low quality.

Friendly atmosphere with great food and a good range of real ale

I have been to the Empess many time's it is a lovely venue by the river Arun, my friend and l desided to eat there (the first time with the new Chef), well the food was amazing, l had local caught fish and chips the fish was moist and the batter thin it was delicious, l woud highly recomend the food, they also have great entertainment on most satudays, the land lady and land lord are very welcoming as are there staff.

Good looking bar, very comfortable and the best pub toilets I've been in

Nice views although a little pricey

Used to love this pub but it rarely opens anymore and who ever decided to put the scruffy writing up on the outside wall is a idiot

Went to see Terry Carvey. Saw him before at Bar72 nearly 2 years ago and he generated a good atmosphere and got people dancing. But last night's performance wasn't all that. I don't think he could hear himself properly - always tricky for vocalists. Service was slow - no fault of those working behind the bar, just very busy and only two staff serving But it's a friendly place and we will no doubt return at some point.

Cracking food and well run, brilliant atmosphere.

Lovely the blond waitress was Very nice very attractive x

The prosecco battered cod and chips were delicious! Highly recommended!

Love this place. Early evening glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc looking at the sun setting over the river, perfect! Staff are always nice and attentive.

The bar is great and the food is good and the outdoor area a good view across the harbour to west beach

Chef catered to our needs amazingly even with intolerances. Lovely friendly people and fantastic food.

I always feel the exterior of the Empress is a little intimidating but open the door and you will be delighted. It has an interesting and relaxing interior- you’ll never be stuck for a conversation topic! With good food that is beautifully presented, fair prices for generous portions and friendly attentive service, this bar should be on everyone’s list of favourite places to meet up. Give it a try.