Best Foodie Experiences in Sussex

Though you might not expect Sussex to be a top pick when it comes to foodie destinations, Sussex has a surprising amount on offer for the discerning gourmand. Many restaurants will be serving high quality, seasonal ingredients from local sources, and with such an abundance of farmland and an expansive coastline the meat and fish you’ll try are top-notch to boot. Still, if you’re looking for the best places to eat and the finest foodie experiences, we’ve gone out and done the research for you – you’ll find the best foodie experiences in Sussex below. And if you’re looking for a great place to stay, you’ll probably want to check out our luxury cottages in Sussex.

1. The Ambrette, Rye

India meets England in one of Sussex’s best fine-dining restaurants. Local produce is key to the menus at the Ambrette, to the extent that much of the food here is foraged. Seaweed and samphire come straight from the coast, along with the crabs that are served with shells still on. British and Indian flavours mix, so you could find Kentish venison served in a tamarind sauce and other such unusual combinations. Choose between à la carte or a tasting menu, where you can enjoy several courses of chef Dev Biswal’s cooking.

Price Range:££

Location: 6 High St, Rye TN31 7JE

Bookings: Online The Ambrette or Call 01797 222043

2. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, Sedlescombe

Sedlescombe was one of the first wine producers in the world to pioneer organic, biodynamic techniques. When these methods are combined with the climate of the south of England, the result is uniquely flavoured and internationally recognised wine. Amble around the vineyard, learn about organic grape-growing methods and discover how the grapes are then turned into fine wines; you can take a self-guided tour or have one of the expert staff lead you around the site. Many of the packages include lunch or afternoon tea in the scenic surroundings, while all tours end with a tasting session of Sedlescombe’s eco-friendly wines.

Price Range: £££

Location: Hawkhurst Rd, Cripps Corner, Robertsbridge TN32 5SA

Bookings: Online Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard or Call 01580 830715

3. The Ginger Fox, Hassocks

There are few dining experiences as quintessentially English as finding a country inn in a charming village and feasting on hearty pub food. The Ginger Fox, near Brighton, does the pub lunch experience perfectly, with a pleasant outdoor dining area in their beer garden and exquisite food made from locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are finely balanced but hearty, with such filling courses as venison loin with wild vegetables and cod served with cuttlefish and puy lentils – your meal here will transcend the kind of food you might usually expect from an English pub.

Price Range: ££

Location: Muddleswood Rd, Albourne, Hassocks BN6 9EA

Bookings: Online at The Ginger Fox or Call 01273 857888

4. Angel Food Kitchen, Brighton

Baking is one of the most coveted culinary skills in the country at the moment, thanks in no small part to the wildly popular Great British Bake Off. Those looking to get their cake-making skills up to scratch can head to the Angel Food Kitchen. Their baking classes welcome those who don’t know their whisk from a spatula, as well as seasoned bakers looking to develop their pastry skills. Angel Food’s scheduled workshops teach niche crafts like making gingerbread houses and patisserie, but they also offer private lessons tailor-made for your group, where you choose the techniques you want to learn.

Price Range: ££

Location: 20 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB

Bookings: Online at Angel Food Kitchen

5. The Little Fish Market, Hove

As the name suggests, this is the place to head for delectable Sussex seafood. Every fish, crab and prawn that ends up on your plate has been sustainably sourced, hinting at the restaurant’s origins as a fishmonger. Because of this commitment to sourcing quality ingredients, the menu changes daily, but the chef’s knowledge of all of these foods ensures that they’ll be cooked with flair. The small restaurant creates a cosy atmosphere as you dine, but this also means that booking ahead is recommended.

Price Range: ££

Location: 10 Upper Market St, Hove BN3 1AS

Bookings: Call 01273 722213

6. Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, Brighton

Can you have too much chocolate? That question will be put to the test (the most likely answer being no) on a day with Chocolate Ecstasy. It’s a tour of Brighton with a difference; participants will get to stop at all of the city’s confectionery highlights as they sightsee. You’ll start the experience with a hot chocolate, before feasting on all kinds of sugary treats, from ice cream to macarons, along the way. Combining mouth-watering sweets with a wander around one of the UK’s most interesting and fun cities, we reckon it’s one of the best ways to spend a day.

Price Range: ££

Location: 103 Gloucester Road, BN1 4AP

Bookings: Online at Chocolate Ecstasy Tours

7. The Earl of March, Lavant

Country pub dining merges with chic city elegance in the Earl of March, creating a cosy yet stylish ambience for enjoying a quality meal. As with many places in Sussex, the ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal; what stands out here is the quality of each element of the dishes. The chefs cook with truffle oil, gin and tonic, wild mushrooms and mace using core ingredients such as rich game and fresh fish, for delicate flavour combinations in perfectly prepared dishes.

Price Range: ££

Location: Lavant Rd, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0BQ

Bookings: Online at The Earl of March or Call 01243 533993

8. The Dark Star Brewery, Partridge Green

The tagline for this independent brewery is ‘we like beer’. That uncomplicated passion for making great drinks is evident in every area of the brewery. Visits to the factory are limited to weekends and by advanced appointment – they are too busy brewing during the week – but the result is a personalised insight into what makes their beers so great. Naturally there’ll be some samples available before you hit the shop to buy some for yourself.

Price Range: ££

Location: The Dark Star Brewing Co. Ltd, Star Road, Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8RA

Bookings: Call 01403 713085

9. Jeremy’s Restaurant, Haywards Heath

Jeremy’s Restaurant celebrates its connection to nature; this is immediately evident in the atmospheric dining room, which overlooks a pretty Victorian walled garden in the rolling grounds of Borde Hill. Yet this passion is also seen in the menu, which is inspired by the landscape. The brightly coloured dishes, bursting with flowers and root vegetable jus, speak of the natural origins of every meticulously sourced and delicious ingredient.

Price Range: ££

Location: Borde Hill, Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath RH16 1XP

Bookings: Online at Jeremy’s Restaurant  or Call 01444 441102

With so much tasty stuff on offer, surely you’re pretty tempted by a stay in Sussex? If so, you’ll probably want to talk to our concierge team. Let them know what you’re looking for and they can find you the perfect villa, and they’re always on hand to answer any questions you have or help you arrange any extras or activities. Perhaps you’re looking for a bit more inspiration and some travel tips? We’ve got loads more articles to read elsewhere on our blog, so if you’re thinking of arranging a big family holiday you’ll want to check out our best family activities in Sussex, or if you enjoy messing about in boats, our best group activities in Sussex is probably more your cup of tea. If you’re just looking for more foodie experiences in the UK, why not take a look at our great selection here.