Foodie experiences you have to try

West Sussex has carved out a reputation for fantastic local produce and food experiences, with more and more popping up all the time. So much so, that you could curate a trip around the county just to tour the various cafés, tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and producers.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best and most unique food and drink experiences from around the county, so start putting your #WestSussexWishlist together and see what you can tick off.

Know before you go: please check opening times, booking guidelines and area restrictions with all individual businesses and events before your visit.

Afternoon indulgence

There’s no shortage of lovely places to stop by for a spot of tea and cake. For something truly decadent, why not push the boat out with an indulgent chocolate afternoon tea at chocolatier Chococo in Horsham?

If the traditional cream tea is more your style, head to Alexander House Hotel and try the new Nyetimber afternoon tea with three generous pairings of English sparkling wine.

For more cream teas in West Sussex, look at some of our top picks.

The outside of Alexander House Hotel and Spa

Something super special

Michelin star dining in West Sussex

For a dining experience that you’re sure to remember long after your trip, West Sussex is home to not one but two Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.

Gravetye Manor is set in a grand 16th-century country manor with one Michelin star, the restaurant offers a traditional dining experience in this beautiful and atmospheric setting. Restaurant Interlude is based in the stunning Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, offering ever-changing menus of 14 or 19 courses.

Gravetye Manor outside seating

Book a wine tasting flight

West Sussex is known to many as the heartland of English wine, with an impressive collection of vineyards dotted across the county and many local pubs and restaurants proudly serving their releases.

Visit Digby Fine English’s dedicated tasting rooms in Arundel for a tutored tasting flight or head to one of the vineyards for a paired tasting experience. Look out for special events throughout the year at Bolney Wine Estate, such as cheese and wine pairings and seasonal-themed dining events.

The Arundel wine tasting room at Digby Fine English, home of superb English sparking wine

Get stuck into…

A wild food day

Fancy learning how to identify a variety of edible fruits, nuts, berries and fungi? Even better, how about learning to prepare and cook an entirely foraged meal or basic wilderness survival skills?

With every season comes a bounty of natural ingredients at our fingertips. So, check out some of the wild food courses available at Wildwood Bushcraft or  Foraged by Fern – you can experience a truly unique day or afternoon reconnecting with the wilderness.

A basket full of foraging mushrooms

Artisan baking

Imagine a crisp, chilly afternoon in a traditional baker’s kitchen with the irresistible smell of fresh sourdough or pastries in the air or a sunny day waiting for your bakes to cool whilst resting in the garden and that’s exactly what your day at The Artisan Bakehouse will involve.

With a programme of baking and seasonal confectionery courses taking place at the bakehouse throughout the year and beautiful countryside surroundings to spend a night in if you fancy, it’s an absolute must to put on your West Sussex bucket list.

The Artisan Bakehouse food and drink experiences

A brewery experience day

If you’ve ever wanted to brew your own beer, now is your chance! Head to Horsham’s stylish Brewhouse & Kitchen for a full day’s brewing experience, complete with breakfast, lunch and the chance to brew your own mini keg to take away with you.

If you’d rather just skip to the tasting part, you can also explore the beer or gin masterclasses, as well as a beer and food pairing workshop.

Inside dining area at Brewhouse & Kitchen Horsham

Local foodie finds

Brewhouse Project

Drop into Arundel Brewery’s The Brewhouse Project for a celebration of great food, craft beer and fresh coffee.

Both a dog-friendly venue and open to families up until the early evening, and often with live music or quiz events, it’s a vibrant destination set within stunning surroundings and a must-visit when in Arundel.

Front of The brewhouse project in Arundel

Edgcumbes Coffee Roastery and farm shop

Just up the road from The Brewhouse Project, Edgcumbes Coffee Roastery sits within an old barn, where you can watch the process of coffee being roasted freshly on site. Sit in the adjacent café and enjoy a tasty treat, before wandering into the newly established farm shop to pick up some local produce.

A table at the Edge Café at Edgcumbes Roastery

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