Sussex food and drink
Discover the flavours of Sussex, from locally grown produce to award-winning wines.
Sussex is a wonderful place to eat and drink, with local farmers and producers, independent speciality food stores and award-winning vineyards creating a thriving culinary scene.
If you love to cook, The Grain Store’s fully equipped kitchen is made for leisurely meals using fresh local ingredients. And when you’d rather be looked after, treat yourself to dinner prepared by our private chef or delicious home-cooked food from one of our favourite local suppliers.
From foraging in farmer’s markets to visiting nearby vineyards or trying a cookery experience, there are plenty of ways to savour the best of Sussex food and drink during your stay.
As a sustainable business, we’re proud to support Sussex producers and suppliers and hope you’ll enjoy discovering them too.
Fabulous farmer’s markets
Sussex is blessed with wonderful farmers, growers and artisan producers, making it easy to stock The Grain Store kitchen with something delicious.
In Lewes, Lewes Farmers' Market brings local producers together on the first and third Saturday of each month, while Lewes Friday Food Market offers fresh regional produce, bread, cheese, fish and other treats every Friday.
Nearby Middle Farm at Firle (open every day) is well worth a visit for its award-winning farm shop and team room. Don’t miss the famous Cider Barn, with an extraordinary selection of draught ciders and perries, Sussex wines and beers, and the chance to taste before you buy.
First-class private dining
For a special evening at The Grain Store, we’re delighted to offer the exceptional talents of our private chef Loïc Le Pape. With more than 40 years’ experience, Loïc trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and honed his craft in celebrated kitchens including The Ritz and La Tour d’Argent. He creates bespoke menus using the finest seasonal ingredients, prepared and served in the privacy of The Grain Store.
Celebrate a birthday or anniversary, gather friends around the table or simply decide that tonight, a masterchef is cooking.
Sometimes the greatest pleasure of going away is not having to think about cooking. We’ve handpicked the very best local suppliers to provide a superb selection of gourmet meals delivered to your door. Please either book directly with the company or contact Simone to plan the menu for your perfect stay.
Fancy prepared foods
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Vegetarian & vegan delights
Field Food makes it easy to eat well without spending your stay shopping and cooking. Libby delivers delicious home-cooked food directly to The Grain Store, with seasonal breakfast boxes, indulgent evening meals and picnic hampers to take with you on a day exploring the South Downs.
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A taste of Italy
Lewes favourite Caccia & Tails, offers a delectable range of homemade Italian pasta, sauces, focaccia, and cakes for delivery to The Grain Store. The menu features a variety of street pasta dishes and New York Italian classics, all made fresh on site every day. Contact Elisa to arrange delivery.
Additionally, fresh homemade pasta and sauces are also available for purchase to take home and cook for supper. If you're interested in placing an order, simply get in touch with Elisa Furci at their Lewes-based shop to arrange delivery.
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A spicy Friday feast
Friday night calls for a feast. Local cook Chloe, founder of Seven Sisters Spices, creates vibrant, spice-led dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, using seasonal ingredients. Her Friday food deliveries are available exclusively for Grain Store guests, so simply order your feast, settle in and enjoy.
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A tasty cookery class
Get hands-on in The Grain Store kitchen with a private cookery workshop. Chloe from Seven Sisters Spices also offers exclusive cookery classes for our guests. This is your chance to learn new skills, cook a speciality dish together and, best of all, sit down afterwards to enjoy what you’ve made.
With Sussex now synonymous with world-class English wine and producing internationally acclaimed, award-winning vintages, it would be rude not to sample the fruits of the vines while you’re here. Discover our pick of local vineyards offering tours and tastings, food and wine pairings and special events throughout the year.
The best vineyards in Sussex
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We’re delighted to partner with Sugrue South Downs, one of England's most celebrated boutique producers, created by winemaker Dermot Sugrue. Sample the flagship sparkling wine The Trouble with Dreams and acclaimed Cuvée Boz Blanc de Blancs. Our guests receive an exclusive discount when booking tours and tastings. Please contact Simone on +44 7717 507427 to receive your private discount code and booking details.
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Set on a spectacular vineyard near Alfriston, Rathfinny Wine Estate specialises in vintage Sussex sparkling wines. Its signature Blanc de Noirs sits alongside Blanc de Blancs, Rosé and Classic Cuvée.
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Situated near the pretty village of Ditchling, Ridgeview Wine Estate is a pioneer of English sparkling wine Try bestselling Bloomsbury, a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier blend, or its celebrated Blanc de Blancs, made entirely from Chardonnay.
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Albourne Estate is a family-owned boutique vineyard producing award-winning still and sparkling wines from its own sustainably grown grapes. Particularly noted for its Bacchus, and its distinctive English vermouth.
More food for thought
We also offer comprehensive catering options for business guests who hire The Grain Store for Leadership Retreats & Awaydays or to Host a Workshop. Contact us for further information, menus and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. There are farmer’s markets in Lewes and a farm shop at Middle Farm in Firle.
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Yes. There’s a Waitrose and independent wine and cheese stores in Lewes.
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Yes. Private chef dining with Loïc Le Pape can be arranged.
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Yes. Current local options include Field Food, Caccia & Tails and Seven Sisters Spices.
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Yes. Sugrue South Downs offers tours and tastings a short drive away, with a discount currently available to Grain Store guests.