Explore The Sussex

A Traditional Pub & Live Music Venue in Tunbridge Wells

Some pubs are quiet. Some are just loud bars that forget they’re pubs at all. 

The Sussex Arms in Tunbridge Wells is neither.

Upstairs, The Sussex is a traditional British pub — real wood, cask ales, catch-ups at the bar. Downstairs, it’s something else entirely: a loud yet intimate, uncompromising live music venue where indie, alternative, and grassroots acts take centre stage.

Two spaces. One identity. And, sitting at the crossroads of three things worth caring about: the raw energy of grassroots live music, the enduring traditions of British pub culture, and the historic charm of Tunbridge Wells and the Pantiles.

Whether you have stumbled upon our site mid-scroll or you’re already planning a visit, this is your guide to discovering what makes this corner of Kent (and The Sussex Arms) worth your time.

Live Music at The Forum Basement

Downstairs at The Sussex Arms is The Forum Basement, a dedicated live music venue that’s become a cornerstone of Tunbridge Wells’ alternative and indie scene.

The sound you’ll get here isn’t background music over bar chatter. It’s lights down, amps up, room full. If you’re the sort of person who remembers gigs by how they FEEL rather than how many people are there, you’ll understand why the Basement is so special.  

In 2025, the Basement was awarded funding by Arts Council England, which was invested directly into the Basement, upgrading sound systems and gear as well as the space itself, so every act gets polish and atmosphere. The result is a venue that punches well above its size.

When we were offered the Sussex, we took one look around and fell in love with the downstairs space — then a defunct function room that seemed to have become someone’s bedroom! Still, we saw the potential for a live music space, which could run as a feeder venue for the Forum. A 50 capacity venue to complement our 250 capacity grass roots venue.

But this isn’t just about one venue. It’s about a culture that’s thrived in pubs, basements, and back rooms for decades. The British pub has always been more than a watering hole. Here, ideas travel, bands get talked about, communities overlap, and wild theories manifest. 

Historically, pubs have hosted music long before venues had names for it — folk sessions, early gigs, informal performances squeezed into corners.

The Sussex Arms simply continues that tradition. Just with better soundproofing and a proper stage downstairs.

Explore the Scene

Live Alternative and Indie Music

Learn more about the wider scene, the history, and where to find the best gigs in Kent.

What you’ll find:

• Live music in Tunbridge Wells and the wider scene
• The complete guide to indie and alternative music
• Best live music venues across Kent
• The bands that shaped the genre (and why they still matter)
  

Coming to a gig? Arrive early, grab a pint and a bite to eat upstairs and settle in. See what’s on at the Forum Basement.

British Pub Culture & A Traditional Pub Upstairs

(Exactly as It Should Be)

The Sussex Arms hasn’t sacrificed its identity as a pub to become a music venue.

Instead, upstairs is still a proper pub in the truest sense of the word. It’s still a place for real conversations. A place to warm up by the fire, find a very decent line-up of real ale and craft beers, where regulars and visitors sit together. The Sussex is lived-in, not themed.

You don’t need a ticket to belong here. You can come in for one pint or stay all evening. The choice is yours. In an age where many pubs feel pulled in too many directions, we’re proud to have stayed rooted in what British pubs have always done well.

Historically, pubs have been where communities gathered, where deals were made and debates were settled (or at least, loudly argued). They’ve hosted everything from political meetings to impromptu gigs, and they’ve done it all while serving proper beer and keeping the fire going.

The Sussex Arms, built in the early 17th century to serve coachmen and servants of the gentry, has always been part of that tradition. Deliberately tucked away from view, it was never meant to be discovered easily — which is probably why it’s stayed authentic.

If you’re interested in how deep pub culture runs, our posts on the oldest pubs in England and the fascinating history of British pub names are well worth a read.

Explore Pub Culture

Why pubs matter, what makes a proper pub, and the long and winding history behind all of it.

What you’ll find:

• The oldest pubs in England (and the legends behind them)
• The fascinating history of British pub names
• What makes a great British pub (spoiler: it’s not the menu!)
• Traditional pubs in Kent worth visiting

Experience it yourself: A proper pub isn’t something you read about. It’s something you live. Visit The Sussex Arms in Tunbridge Wells and see what we mean.

The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells & Everything Around Us

Before the Gig, Between Pints, or Instead of the Crowd

Being just off the Pantiles puts the Sussex Arms in a rare position.

We’re close enough to the action for the Forum’s pre-show pints, post-market drinks, and spontaneous plans, but far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of the Pantiles to feel like a discovery rather than a stop-off.

The Pantiles itself is one of the country’s finest Georgian colonnades. Cobbled walkways, independent shops, cafes that spill onto the street when the weather behaves, and a history that stretches back to when people actually travelled here for the healing spring water. These days, people come for different reasons — but the atmosphere hasn’t changed much.

Beyond the Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells is a town of contrasts. Historic parks, quirky shops, and a surprising amount to do for a place that still feels refreshingly unhurried. 

Being just off the Pantiles means you can move easily between independent restaurants, seasonal markets, and live events before finishing the evening here at The Sussex with a nice pint or two.

On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, when Odey’s kitchen is open, you can grab something to eat before heading down to the Basement. This pub is a place to regroup and meet up with friends, enjoy quiz nights, and somewhere to end the night without having to shout over cocktail menus.

If you’re looking for food and drink near the Pantiles without the fuss, this is often where people end up.

Explore the Area

Discover the Pantiles & Tunbridge Wells

Everything you need to know about Tunbridge Wells: where to eat, what to see, and why it still matters.

What you’ll find:

• Best restaurants and cafes on the Pantiles
• Things to do in Tunbridge Wells (The really good stuff, not just the obvious)
• Bars worth visiting
• Seasonal events and what’s on

End your day the right way: All the exploring is thirsty work. Fancy a proper pint and a warm-up by the fire? The Sussex Arms is your natural end point for winding down and grabbing something to eat.

Who the Sussex Arms Is Really For

This pub tends to find people rather than the other way round.

It’s for people who love live music, not just big shows. Those who prefer pubs with character over bars with concepts. People who like discovering bands, not just following playlists. Those who want a proper pint upstairs and a proper gig downstairs.

Maybe you’ll do both. Maybe you won’t. Both are valid.

Two Spaces. One Identity.

A traditional pub above.

A live music venue below.

Here at The Sussex, we don’t try to blend the two. We let each shine at what they do best. And that’s exactly why it works.

So if you’re looking for live music in Tunbridge Wells with atmosphere — or if you’re looking for a pub that still feels like a pub — you’ll almost certainly feel at home here.

Have a look around. Discover something new. And, when you’re ready, we’ll be here — fire lit, beer pouring, music playing.

Looking for live music this week?

Planning a night out near the Pantiles?

Grab something to eat when Odey’s Kitchen is open at The Sussex.

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