One of the best ways to experience a destination is to taste its local food and drink. Sussex is a county rich in culinary heritage, with a variety of regional specialities, fresh produce, and award-winning beverages. Whether you are looking for a cosy pub, a fine dining restaurant, a farmers’ market, or a vineyard, you will find something to suit your palate and budget in Sussex.
In this blog post, we will share some of the best places to enjoy local food and drink in Sussex, as well as some tips on how to make the most of your gastronomic adventure. We hope this will inspire you to book your next Huluki Sussex Stays and discover the delicious delights of this beautiful county.
Pubs and Restaurants
Sussex has a plethora of pubs and restaurants, ranging from traditional to modern, casual to elegant, and rustic to chic. You can find dishes that reflect the county’s history, culture, and geography, such as Sussex pond pudding, Sussex cheese, Sussex lamb, and Sussex truffles. You can also find cuisines from around the world, such as Indian, Thai, Italian, and French.
Some of the pubs and restaurants that we recommend are:
- The Star Inn in Alfriston: This is one of the oldest pubs in Sussex, dating back to the 15th century. It serves classic British dishes, such as fish and chips, roast beef, and steak and ale pie, as well as local ales and ciders. The pub has a cosy and charming atmosphere, with a fireplace, wooden beams, and a garden.
- The Salt Room in Brighton: This is a contemporary seafood restaurant, overlooking the seafront and the iconic Brighton Pier. It specialises in grilled fish and shellfish, as well as dishes cooked over a charcoal fire. The restaurant also offers a selection of cocktails, wines, and desserts.
- The Cat Inn in West Hoathly: This is a 16th century pub, nestled in the picturesque village of West Hoathly. It has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, which recognizes good quality and good value food. The pub serves seasonal and locally sourced dishes, such as Sussex pork belly, wild mushroom risotto, and apple and blackberry crumble. The pub also has a large wine list and a beer garden.
- The Pass in Horsham: This is a fine dining restaurant, located in the South Lodge Hotel. It has a Michelin star and four AA rosettes, which attest to its excellence and innovation. The restaurant offers a tasting menu, which showcases the chef’s creativity and skill. The restaurant also has an open kitchen, which allows you to watch the chefs at work.
Markets and Farms
Sussex is blessed with fertile land and a mild climate, which produce a bounty of fresh and quality ingredients. You can find a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats, cheeses, breads, and cakes at the local markets and farms. You can also meet the producers and learn more about their products and stories.
Some of the markets and farms that we recommend are:
- Lewes Farmers’ Market in Lewes: This is one of the oldest and largest farmers’ markets in Sussex, held on the first and third Saturday of every month. It has over 40 stalls, selling everything from organic vegetables, free-range eggs, artisan cheeses, homemade pies, and preserves. You can also enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities.
- Middle Farm in Firle: This is a family-run farm, which has been operating for over 40 years. It has a farm shop, a cider barn, a cheese shop, a butcher, a bakery, and a café. You can find a wide range of products, such as Sussex apples, Sussex charcuterie, Sussex honey, and Sussex ice cream. You can also visit the farm animals, such as pigs, sheep, chickens, and ducks.
- Cross Lanes Farm in Robertsbridge: This is an organic farm, which follows the principles of biodynamic agriculture. It has a farm shop, a café, a florist, and a pottery studio. You can find products such as organic vegetables, organic meat, organic eggs, organic bread, and organic wine. You can also join workshops, tours, and events, such as yoga, pottery, and wine tasting.
- The Garlic Farm in Newchurch: This is a farm dedicated to growing and celebrating garlic. It has a farm shop, a restaurant, a heritage centre, and a garlic museum. You can find products such as garlic bulbs, garlic oils, garlic chutneys, garlic mayonnaise, and garlic beer. You can also learn about the history and benefits of garlic, as well as how to grow and cook with it.
Vineyards and Breweries
Sussex is home to some of the finest vineyards and breweries in the UK, thanks to its ideal soil and climate conditions. You can find a range of wines, beers, ciders, and spirits, which have won national and international awards and accolades. You can also enjoy tours, tastings, and events, which will give you an insight into the production and culture of these beverages.
Some of the vineyards and breweries that we recommend are:
- Ridgeview Wine Estate in Ditchling: This is a family-owned vineyard, which specialises in sparkling wine. It has won several awards, including the International Wine and Spirit Competition Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine in the World. The vineyard offers tours and tastings, where you can learn about the history and process of making sparkling wine, as well as sample some of their products.
- Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes: This is the oldest independent brewery in Sussex, dating back to 1790. It produces a range of cask ales, bottled beers, and seasonal specials, using local water, malt, and hops. The brewery offers tours and tastings, where you can see the brewing equipment, the cellars, and the museum, as well as taste some of their beers.
- Bolney Wine Estate in Bolney: This is one of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in Sussex, established in 1972. It produces a range of still and sparkling wines, such as Pinot Noir, Bacchus, and Blanc de Blancs. The vineyard offers tours and tastings, where you can walk through the vines, visit the winery, and sample some of their wines.
- Dark Star Brewing Co. in Partridge Green: This is a modern and innovative brewery, which started as a microbrewery in 1994. It produces a range of beers, such as Hophead, American Pale Ale, and Espresso Stout. The brewery offers tours and tastings, where you can see the brewing process, the ingredients, and the equipment, as well as taste some of their beers.
Conclusion
As you can see, Sussex has a lot to offer when it comes to food and drink. You can find something for every taste, occasion, and budget, as well as learn more about the local culture and traditions. Whether you are a foodie, a wine lover, or a beer enthusiast, you will not be disappointed by the culinary delights of this county.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Sussex, why not book a Huluki Sussex Stays? We have a range of properties, from cottages to lodges, from barns to cabins, all located in scenic and convenient locations. You can enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own home, as well as the amenities and services of a hotel. You can also benefit from our local knowledge and recommendations, as well as our special offers and discounts.
To book your Huluki Sussex Stays, visit our website or contact us today. We look forward to welcoming you to Sussex and helping you to have a memorable and enjoyable holiday.