Shine Sussex
Taste and Toast: Culinary & Drinking Scene
Sussex, located in the southeast of England, boasts a vibrant and diverse food and drinks industry, with a particular emphasis on independent establishments. This region known for its picturesque countryside and coastal charm, provides fertile ground for local produce and innovative culinary ventures.
The growing consumer preference for local, sustainable, and high-quality food and drinks presents opportunities for independent businesses and there is much collaboration among local producers, participation in food and drink festivals.
Many independent eateries and pubs in Sussex prioritise locally sourced ingredients. Farms in the region supply fresh vegetables, meats, and dairy, promoting a farm-to-table ethos.
Independent establishments face challenges such as rising costs, competition from chains, reflecting the importance to support local and independent businesses.
Craft Beverages
Wine: Sussex has gained recognition as a leading wine-producing region in England, with its vineyards producing award-winning sparkling wines. Independent wineries offer tours and tastings, showcasing their artisanal methods.
Beer and Cider: The craft beer scene is thriving, with microbreweries and independent pubs offering a wide range of locally brewed ales, lagers, and ciders. These establishments often have a community focus, hosting events and supporting local causes.
Spirits: Artisan distilleries in Sussex produce high-quality spirits, including gin and whiskey. These small-batch producers emphasise quality and local botanicals.
Traditional English Fare: Sussex is home to many independent pubs and restaurants offering traditional English dishes, often with a modern twist. Local specialities like Sussex Pond Pudding and fresh seafood from the coast are highlights.
International Cuisine: The region also celebrates global flavours, with independent restaurants offering Italian, Indian, Thai, and other international cuisines. These eateries often blend traditional recipes with local ingredients, creating unique dining experiences.
Independent Pubs
Independent Restaurants
La Chosa (Brighton)
La Choza has a gloriously delicious and affordable menu of authentic Mexican street food dishes.
Furna (Brighton)
Furna is the first solo venture for Yorkshire-born Dave Mothersill, who has been cooking for over two decades in some of Brighton’s most lauded restaurants and is one of the city’s most consistent and well-respected chefs.
A small, intimate restaurant close to Brighton’s seafront, our philosophy is to create uncomplicated, full-flavoured food, made from the freshest, highest quality seasonal produce.
The Ginger Fox (West Sussex)
The Ginger Fox is a friendly and relaxed restaurant in the rural setting of the South Downs, approx 7 miles outside of Brighton. They serve high-quality, seasonal, Sussex produce; from local fish and meat, local ales, and award-winning wine from Ridgeview.
An award winning unique restaurant tucked away in the Brighton Lanes, serving tasty small plates with half the seating at the pass of the open kitchen.
Wild Flor is a neighbourhood restaurant offering lunch, dinner & private dining with the best wine list & exemplary hospitality. Well-cellared, classic cookery.
The menus are built around social food: simple, flavour-packed dishes designed for grazing. Order individual courses, or as a snack with your drinks. Burnt Orange cook quality seasonal ingredients over fire and serve them with well-crafted drinks.
Tasty and honest cooking using fresh & consciously sourced produce. Our relaxed and attentive atmosphere will ensure you will be welcomed as a guest, but will leave as a friend.
Serving brunch and dinner, they use premium quality seasonal local produce wherever possible, and virtually everything is made on site and from scratch. They sell direct trade organic coffee from Union, and recycle as much as possible, including all plastics.
A French restaurant located in the heart of The Brighton Lanes. The charming establishment is just a pebble’s throw from the sea side. Here you will find rustic interior filled with warmth and homely feeling. It is a perfect venue for a romantic rendezvous or intimate little place to meet family and friends.
Simple, ingredient led, fish focused cuisine. The Little Fish Market is passionate about offering the freshest, highest quality sustainable produce from the British Isles.
Found in the heart of Hurstpierpoint, the picturesque village nestled closely to the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, The Fig Tree is an elegant dining venue offering fresh and seasonal dishes.
The Pass is an intimate restaurant offering a unique dining experience for up to 28 diners.
The restaurant is located in the heart of the kitchen, here you will experience the craft, overlooking the brigade of chefs in action as each and every dish is brought to life.
Great pub food that is freshly prepared using the freshest and finest local ingredients. The menus attached are examples of what we offer and do change regularly to reflect the changing seasons.
A former 17th century Coaching Inn has reopened it's doors as a gastro pub in September 2023. Serving a variety of British and European classics with locally sourced produce. Situated right on the way to the historical Bodiam Castle it's the perfect stop for lunch, dinner or a drink in the garden.
Nestled right by the water, Rockwater is your beachside home in Hove. From sunrise to sunset, taking you from early morning yoga and sea swims to evening craft workshops, comedy nights, live music and evening cocktails with friends.
Independent Vineyards
Bolney Wine Estate we work hard to produce award-winning premium red, white, rosé and sparkling English wines. The dedicated team work throughout the year to ensure our vines are perfectly tended in order to yield the highest quality grapes.
The vineyards share similar characteristics with the best sparkling wine vineyards in the world. Greensand and chalk soils allow our vines, in each of our separate sites, to flourish across the south of England.
All wines at Nyetimber are crafted according to the traditional method, ageing them for extended periods of time to build complexity and flavour, and allowing for generous post-disgorgement time before release.
An award winning organic winery and vineyard just north of Rye in East Sussex. They offer a lovely tasting room and shop and a self guided trail around the vineyard. They take visitors on tours around the vineyard and winery explaining how they grow grapes and make wine (£10/person).
A family-run Wine Estate is dedicated to producing some of the world’s finest english sparkling wines from a single-site Sussex Vineyard. Located on a wonderful south-facing slope in England’s South Downs, the climate, chalk soil and aspect make it the perfect UK Vineyard for producing Sussex Sparkling wine.
Ridgeview Wine Estate (South Downs)
Ridgeview Wine Estate is a renowned English sparkling wine producer located in the picturesque South Downs of Sussex, England. Founded in 1994 by the Roberts family, Ridgeview is known for its award-winning sparkling wines that rival many traditional Champagne houses. The estate focuses on producing sparkling wines using the traditional method, with a particular emphasis on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grape varieties. Ridgeview's commitment to quality and sustainability have made it a standout among English wine producers, attracting both national and international acclaim.
Independent Bars
These establishments are known for their unique atmospheres, excellent service, and commitment to using local produce and ingredients where possible.
Independent Breweries
Firebird Brewing Company (Rudgwick, West Sussex): Known for its wide range of beers, including American Pale Ales, Pilsners, Belgian Pale Ales, and IPAs
Arundel Brewery (West Sussex): This award-winning brewery produces popular beers like Sussex Gold and Sussex IPA
Long Man Brewery (Litlington, East Sussex): Offers a variety of beers, including Long Blonde, Best Bitter, and Rising Giant. They emphasize sustainability and use locally grown barley
360 Degree Brewing Company (Sheffield Park, East Sussex): Known for beers like Sussex Haze and Do That Trick Hazy Pale Ale
Langham Brewery (Lodsworth, West Sussex): Produces innovative beers such as Arapaho and Hip Hop, and is located in the South Downs National Park
Missing Link Brewing (West Hoathly, West Sussex): Offers beers like Capuchin NEIPA and Gibbon American Pale Ale
Gun Brewery (East Sussex): Specializes in vegan and gluten-free beers, using spring water from their own land. Notable beers include Numb Angel and Parabellum
These breweries showcase the diverse and rich craft beer culture in Sussex, each offering unique flavours and experiences.