The tenth edition of the Sussex Food & Drink Guide is dominated by great independent operators who pride themselves on providing food that is local, seasonal, fresh and made from the best-quality ingredients. Sussex is blessed with some of the finest food and drink producers in the UK, including Runcton Farm and Tangmere Nurseries, to name just a couple. We’re quickly becoming spoilt for choice when it comes to tipples, thanks to the likes of wine from Tinwood Estate and Nyetimber, and our nearest and dearest Chilgrove Spirits – our first port of call for fine gin and vodka. On top of that, we also have some of the most talented chefs showcasing the wonderfully rich produce of this glorious county.
The Earl of March have just celebrated their tenth anniversary with a series of food festivals that highlighted just what a special foodie spot Sussex is. In addition to offering their own Asparagus Fest and Lobster Fest, they’ve broadened their horizons by taking part in many of the events held in the area. The Chilli Fiesta is stronger and more focused than ever; this year Giles hosted Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Levi Roots, along with MasterChef winner Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed, Dan Doherty of Duck & Waffle, and Brighton’s rising star Steven Edwards of Etch.
They enjoyed the Weald & Downland Food & Folk Festival, trying everything from Montezuma’s chilli chocolate to local turbot and Langstone Harbour’s cockles. There’s also always plenty going on at Goodwood, and its location within sight of The Earl – nestled at the foot of the South Downs – continues to attract a very discerning clientele to this neck of the woods. It’s been a fantastic foodie year so far, the crowning glory of which came when they won the Best Eating Experience at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards. They faced stiff competition from The Crown in Hastings and The Sussex Ox in Polegate – what an honour to be named amongst such great establishments.
“I look forward to another action-packed gastronomic year with all the wonderful food and drink we have around us. As Rosemary Moon said to me ten years ago, ‘Giles, we don’t only look at the views in West Sussex, we eat the views’. I hope you enjoy cooking with them, too.”
Visit any one of the restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs in our brand new Sussex Food & Drink Guide and we’re sure that you’ll agree. Keep a look-out for the guide in branches of Waitrose and in tourist information offices or order a copy now. You can also browse all the venues on our website and app.
