Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-meat-fish-and-charcuterie">Best for meat, fish and charcuterie </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-427.jpg" alt="Weald Smokey, Sussex" class="wp-image-82508" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-427.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-427-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-427-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-427-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Weald Smokery</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re out to ring the changes even before the year&#8217;s end, how about fish for Christmas? It&#8217;s on the festive menu at some of Muddy&#8217;s favourite local restaurants, including <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/best-sunday-roasts-in-sussex-muddy-reviews-pearly-cow-brighton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pearly Cow</a> in Brighton, offering a lighter but still indulgent option after weeks of hitting the turkey-and-stuffing sandwiches and mince pies. Make <a href="https://www.brighton-fish-sales.co.uk/brighton-and-newhaven-fish-sales-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FISH</a> at Hove Lagoon your first stop. It offers one of the widest selections you&#8217;ll find, and much of what&#8217;s on offer is caught locally by the company&#8217;s own fleet of boats. The shellfish is great, too, so why not grab some oysters while you&#8217;re there. </p>



<p>Further along the coast, <a href="https://www.rxfisheries.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RX Fisheries</a> has been in Hastings&#8217; Old Town for over 70 years, and you can soak up the atmosphere of the historic fishing quarter while you queue. Feeling peckish? Sample their ready-to-eat rollmops or prawns. </p>



<p>If you like your fish smoky, head over to the <a href="https://www.wealdsmokery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weald Smokery</a> near Ticehurst. They smoke everything, from pastrami to cheese and duck, but their fish is the place to begin, a-twinkle as it is with Great Taste Award stars. Keep it class with smoked salmon or haddock, or branch out with cold smoked trout or smoked eel – they&#8217;re all winners. </p>



<p>For a one-stop meat feast (one-stop everything feast, really), hoof it down to the <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/cowdray-farm-shop-2/cowdray-farm-shop-butchery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowdray Farm Shop</a> near Midhurst, where you&#8217;ll find prizewinning estate-stalked venison along with Cowdray-reared beef and lamb. The chickens and ducks are from Creedy Carver in Devon, so slightly further afield but Muddy happens to know that they&#8217;re food critic Giles Coren&#8217;s bird of choice. Pop into the Cowdray Lifestyle boutique while you&#8217;re there, and you can tick any last-minute gifting off your list, too. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422.jpg" alt="Charcuterie from Beal's Farm, Sussex" class="wp-image-82495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-422-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Beal&#8217;s Farm</figcaption></figure>



<p>Over towards Forest Row, <a href="https://www.tablehurstfarm.org.uk/tablehurst-farm-shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tablehurst Farm Shop</a> was a finalist in this year&#8217;s British Butchery Awards. Everything at their butcher&#8217;s counter apart from the local venison, which is wild, is reared right there on the farm, from biodynamic beef and lamb to organic pork and chicken, as well as duck and goose. And while you&#8217;re focused on Christmas lunch, don&#8217;t forget Boxing Day breakfast: Tablehurst&#8217;s bacon is home-cured and smoked, and lots of their sausages are gluten-free. Need another incentive to swing by? These words should do it: award-winning Pie Kitchen. </p>



<p>Not yet had your fill of winter markets? Head to <a href="https://www.trenchmore.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trenchmore Farm</a> on 20 Dec for edibles – and quaffables – from an array of local producers, as well as a trip to the farm&#8217;s own yard shop, where you&#8217;ll find its foodie-endorsed suckler Sussex Wagyu beef for sale. Slow grown and grass fed, the herd spends the summer grazing idyllic fields and winters in Trenchmore&#8217;s award-winning Roundhouse Barn. </p>



<p>For charcuterie, Muddy&#8217;s top tip is <a href="https://www.bealsfarmcharcuterie.com/collections/venison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beal&#8217;s Farm</a>, creators of trophied ham, coppa, chorizo and salami. Some of their herd of frankly adorable looking Mangalitsa pigs graze on Eridge Park land, just across the border with Kent, but we&#8217;re claiming them for Sussex. Yes, we know sharing&#8217;s in the spirit of the season but wait until you&#8217;ve tried this stuff. We&#8217;re in good company, with fellow fans including Marcus Wareing and chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants. Not a pork eater? Look out for the venison air-dried ham and salami. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-cheese">Best for cheese </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-424.jpg" alt="Middle Farm shop, Firle, Sussex" class="wp-image-82499" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-424.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-424-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-424-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-424-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Middle Farm</figcaption></figure>



<p>Golden Cross, Lord of the Hundreds, Burwash Rose – Sussex is a cheese-chomper&#8217;s paradise. We even have our own celebrity fromage now: Keira Knightley&#8217;s Waitrose co-star, Sussex Charmer. The shop at <a href="https://middlefarm.com/farm-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Middle Farm</a> near Firle is among the best places to stock up and maybe snag a cheeky sample or two (don&#8217;t mind if we do). They&#8217;re especially strong on local cheese, and staff are as knowledgeable as they are friendly. Head through to the dedicated room towards the back of the shop, and you can also stock up on an array of crackers any cheese would be chuffed to be seen with, along with wicker baskets in case you get so carried away, you might as well make a hamper out of it. </p>



<p>Hot foot it to Lewes and you can experience a traditional cheesemonger at <a href="https://www.cheesepleaselewes.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheese Please</a>. A solid selection of local and further-flung options are there to tempt, along with any cheese-related accessory you could wish for. </p>



<p>For true cheese devotees, however, it has to be <a href="https://www.thecheesehutshop.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0r4Fb_7ut-1sMqlLZZwpMv6w58Wcg0JwJRy1IE41n04vlfM_6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cheese Hut</a> at Hove Lagoon. It doesn&#8217;t look like much from the outside (think industrial estate) but step inside and you&#8217;ll find an Aladdin&#8217;s Cave of cheesy temptation with around 120 different types from around the UK and the continent. They&#8217;re especially passionate about local cheese. Online festive ordering is now closed but they&#8217;re still open for in-person browsing –&nbsp;tasting, too! – until Christmas, 9am–4pm daily, except 21 Dec when they&#8217;re closed, and 24 Dec when they shut at 2pm. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-wine-and-fizz">Best for wine and fizz </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82133" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sleigh bells? It&#8217;s popping corks that herald the arrival of Christmas chez Muddy, and if you want to keep the cheer here, there are plenty of ways to drink local. Start with a trip to <a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolney Wine Estate</a>, where you can soak up the tranquility of a vineyard enjoying its downtime, browsing at your leisure and tapping the expertise of welcoming staff. Whether it&#8217;s an award-winning sparkler or rosé you&#8217;re looking for, or something a bit different like a vegan cuvée noir, you&#8217;ll find plenty to enjoy. Also local: two of Forbes&#8217; <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/delivered-your-extra-twinkly-december-newsflash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50 best vineyards</a> in the world: <a href="https://www.wistonestate.com/visit-us/our-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wiston Estate</a> and <a href="https://nyetimber.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nyetimber</a>.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-spirits">Best for spirits </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425.jpg" alt="Harley House Gin, Seaford, Sussex" class="wp-image-82504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-425-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Harley House</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re a gin-thusiast (make Muddy&#8217;s a gimlet, please!), you&#8217;re spoilt for choice locally. Bolney Wine Estate&#8217;s Sussex Gin is a classic dry tipple, its lemon oil freshness enhanced by a flash of fennel and nicely balanced with bay and juniper. <a href="https://www.harleyhousedistillery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harley House</a> in Seaford has some Great Taste stars to its name, including its Quintessential Gin Punch – Christmas in a cup, basically, although we&#8217;re also eying their Clementine Gin (how about a miniature as a novelty stocking filler?). They also make rum, another of their Great Taste winners, and liqueurs. </p>



<p>More top tips: <a href="https://www.cabinpressurespirits.com/products" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cabin Pressure</a>&#8216;s award-winning Horsham Spirit Gin, <a href="https://www.chilgrovespirits.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chilgrove</a>&#8216;s Beautifully British Bramble Gin, and <a href="https://brightongin.com/collections/gin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brighton Gin</a> for a classic G&amp;T. </p>



<p>Other spirits are of course available! Try <a href="https://www.mousehall.com/pages/mousehall-spirits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mousehall</a>&#8216;s medalled Triple Distilled Fresh Citrus Vodka for a sublime martini (try their Elderflower Aperitif, too) or <a href="https://spiritofthedowns.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOophgnu-GSDL4HCCUtqGXFsCEDlK_dYOSWGWrXqLD_fO3zXmbuNt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spirit of the Downs</a> multi-award-winning Eau de Vie or brandies. The distilleries tend not to have bricks-and-mortar shops so get your orders in online sharpish, or amble over to the likes of <a href="https://www.southdownscellars.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Downs Cellars</a>, in Hurstpierpoint and Lindfield, or Cowdray&#8217;s Farm Shop. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-beer-ale-and-cider">Best for beer, ale and cider </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-426.jpg" alt="Christmas jumper by Harvey's Brewery, Lewes, Sussex" class="wp-image-82506" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-426.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-426-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-426-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-426-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Harvey&#8217;s</figcaption></figure>



<p>Find yourself a designated sleigh driver and you could piece together a very merry brewery crawl around Sussex. Of course, family-run <a href="https://shop.harveys.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvey&#8217;s</a> got here first, brewing in Lewes for over 200 years. Head to the shop for perennial favourites and their seasonal Christmas Ale – Christmas puds, too, ale-laced, of course. Their hand-thrown and painted tankard would make a highly acceptable last-minute gift for any fan, too. </p>



<p>Next stop? Try <a href="https://www.longmanbrewery.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Long Man Brewery</a> in Litlington, where you can also pick up the likes of branded golf balls and something to pair their beers with: their own chocolate. Raspberry Love apparently goes especially well with Oatmeal Stout. But for a festive spin, it&#8217;s hard to top <a href="https://www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hepworth Brewery</a>&#8216;s offering over in Pulborough: choose from a veritable Santa&#8217;s sackful, including Jingle Beer Rock lager, Reindeer&#8217;s Revolt, and Bad Elf (or indeed Very Bad Elf, with an explains-everything strength of 7.5%). </p>



<p>And for cider? It has to be Middle&#8217;s Farm&#8217;s legendary Cider Barn, with over 300 different ciders and perries and much more besides. </p>



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<p>In the mood for more? </p>



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Where to do the big Christmas food shop locally – drinks, too!

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