There are a myriad of amazing makers in Sussex. From self-care products to a bounty of wine, cheese, honey, breads and more, our county is a wonderful place to buy beautiful things.

The team at The Grain Store has been scribbling down a few of our favourite things all year; and wanted to share some of the Sussex products and treats that you can buy when you next visit us (or even from afar).

Although nestled next to the natural wonder that is The South Downs, The Grain Store is close to both Lewes and Brighton; as well as lots of stunning Sussex villages. This means you have everything from boutique shops to high street names to wander about.

Lewes has a superb spread of independent shops - some of which we recommended in our little guide to our local town - and the Laines in Brighton are famous way beyond the county for the colourful quirky boutiques and eateries they are packed with. We are also blessed with many farm shops, vineyard cellar doors; and breweries if you want to meet the makers.

Here’s our top ten for 2025; but do get in touch if there is something specific you want to buy to remember Sussex by.

Molly Mahon’s homewares

We love Molly Mahon’s block-printed fabrics. They adorn The Grain Store; and the Trailing Acorn print cushion in noodle brown is already on our Christmas list. Based in Forest Row, which is just over half an hour from us, Molly creates everything from lightshades to fabric trims all in her joyful distinct style. Molly also sells print kits for those who want to hone their creativity at home; and runs workshops, which could be a perfect fit with a stay at The Grain Store.

Menteath skin care

The products from Menteath are completely unique and absolutely glorious. For founder Flick, her products aren’t just about skincare but also about regulating the nervous system. They bring together traditional smoke rituals with modern neuro-skincare science to create holistic products that are as much about regulating the nervous system as they are about skincare. Why not add the Smoked Bay body ritual to your wishlist. It’s a multi-purpose oil, which can be used for a nourishing night regimen or for a full body massage treatment. Visit menteath.com to view the whole collection; and also take a look at our guide of other incredible skincare products made in Sussex.

Sussex Wildflower Honey

We have our very own hives at The Grain Store, looked after by the amazing apiarist, Manek Dubash. Beekeeping is an ancient art and has long been part of Sussex life. A personal favourite of ours (aside from our own honey) is the Sussex Wildflower Honey sold at Barcombe Nurseries. The bees are cared for by Lia Markwick a.k.a The Sussex Bee; and live in traditional wooden hives in ancient woodland in nearby Ansty. The flavour of the honey reflects the wonderful array of wildflowers that the bees are visiting; and is very much uniquely of this place.

Freight’s bodycare

The Grain Store team will happily wile away hours in Freight’s store on Lewes High Street. It is a place of wonderful scents; stunning homewares and beautiful clothes. The Vetiver and Oakmoss is an absolute favourite of ours and we stock it in our space because we love it so much. It delivers a luxurious bathe but without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Why not browse the whole collection online and then visit the store when you come and stay. Combine with a wander around Lewes to enjoy the town’s many other independent shops; restaurants and cafes.

Sugrue’s wine

There are now more than a hundred vineyards dotted in the Sussex countryside. Dermot Sugrue is a world-famous winemaker and now has his own vineyard in the nearby village of Wivelsfield Green. The cellar door is open for private tastings and from 2026, it will again host Sugrue Sundays, pairing the wine with gastronomic delights from globally celebrated chefs. This year’s line up included Angela Hartnett of Murano and Neil Borthwick from The French House.

A stay at The Grain Store

The ultimate gift is peace and relaxation; and so why not buy a loved one (or yourself) a stay at The Grain Store. We can host your whole family or a smaller group in our stunning Studio space. Please get in touch with our manager, Simone, who can talk you through gift options as well as offer guidance on what to see and do while you are staying with us.

Brighton Blue from the High Weald Dairy

What started out as a farm with a flock of 150 British Friesland sheep is now a renowned cheese making family business that currently produces at least 15 different cheeses - and all on site. The High Weald Dairy is a household name now in Sussex and beyond, and its cheeses adorn the shelves of farm shops across the county. The Brighton Blue is a favourite in our team; but the Seven Sisters Organic comes a close second. Cheese Please in Lewes stocks a selection as well as cheeses from other local makers so it’s well worth a visit before heading back to The Grain Store for lunch.

Art by Chris Drury

Local artist, Chris Drury, makes art in the landscape. Down in Hove Park, he created a giant chalk fingerprint in the grass; but he has left an imprint across the country with creations that “seek to make connections between nature and culture; inner and outer; and microcosm and macrocosm.” Chris has work for sale on his website, including his most recent book, HEART SOUL MIND, which our founder, Anni, went along to the launch for. It is a stunning project and would make a unique gift for someone special.

Seven Sisters’ Spices

In our round up of some of the creative workshops you could take part in during your stay, we included Chloe at the Seven Sisters’ Spices Larder. The one-day workshops are an absolute feast for the senses as participants learn to make an array of dishes, all inspired by the Levantine region in Western Asia. Chloe also sells her spice mixes through her website so that you can recreate the dishes at home. For those who haven’t attended, there are also handy guides online so you can create in your own kitchen.

Bean to bar Chocolate by J. Cocoa

James Hull is the founder of J.Cocoa and makes everything from hand-painted giant Easter eggs to milk chocolate bars in his factory in Hassocks. A trained chef, he now buys cocoa beans direct from growers or co operatives in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Madagascar, Tanzania, Dominican Republic and Peru and then spends years perfecting his products. James also champions zero waste packaging and minimum waste from production. The salted caramels are so moreish that you should buy at least five packets (and then hide them).

From cushions to cheese: A Sussex gift guide