From award-winning vineyards to farm-to-table dining, West Sussex is a must-visit for UK foodies.

When you think of Sussex, places like Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, and the South Downs National Park probably come to mind. With rolling hills, historic towns, and unspoiled coastline, West Sussex is a beautiful destination—but it’s also a rising star on the UK’s culinary map.

The local food and drink scene is bursting with flavour, quality, and sustainability. Whether you're searching for organic produce, artisanal gin, or fine English sparkling wine, West Sussex offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Here’s your guide to the best food and drink in West Sussex.

Chichester: A Historic City with a Modern Food Scene

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Chichester isn’t just known for its Roman roots, stunning cathedral, and the world-class Chichester Festival Theatre—it’s also a hotspot for exceptional food and drink.

Where to Eat in Chichester

  • Ghost at the Feast: a unique independent food hall, bar, and restaurant experience on North Street in the heart of Chichester. Spread over two vibrant floors, this foodie destination features 8 diverse street food kitchens, artisan coffee, craft beer, natural wine, and cocktail bars. You’ll also find a full-service restaurant, a micro-winery, and plenty of space to mix, match, and mingle. 
  • The Barn Little London:  a distinctive restaurant in the heart of Chichester, known for its hidden charm and immersive dining experience. It features a secret courtyard with private dining chalets, offering a truly unique atmosphere. Alongside the restaurant, The Barn also houses a curated retail space, complete with an espresso bar and artisan bakery counter. Freshly baked bread and pastries are available daily, making it a must-visit spot for both casual coffee breaks and indulgent treats.
  • Serendipitous Bakery: a popular artisan bakery, renowned for its naturally fermented sourdough bread, this charming bakery is open from Wednesday to Saturday. It’s easy to find—just look for the line of loyal customers waiting to get their hands on freshly baked goods.
  • Montezuma’s Chocolates: This well-known brand was born in Chichester and remains a local gem. Be sure to stop by their shop on East Street.
  • Cast Iron Roasters: an artisan coffee roasting workshop, located in Maudlin near Chichester which features a welcoming café, the perfect spot to enjoy expertly crafted coffee alongside a tempting selection of freshly baked goods sourced from local producers. Buy more locally roasted coffee from HOST online or by heading to Serendipitous BakeryRefilledThe Pavilion in Graylingwell Park and The Barn, Little London where it is also sold and served.

 

Sussex Gin: A Spirited Success Story

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West Sussex produces some of the best artisan gin in the UK, thanks to local botanicals and expert distillers.

Top West Sussex Gins

  • Brilliant Gin: made near Chichester with local coriander. Available at The Barn, Cowdray Farm Shop, Sayas (West Wittering), and more.
  • Goodwood Gin: created from botanicals grown on the Goodwood Estate.
  • Jarrold’s Gin: distilled at Nodding Donkey Distillery using British grain.
  • Chilgrove Gin: features Sussex-grown botanicals and natural mineral water

 

Venison & Game: Ethical, Local, and Delicious

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The South Downs is home to thriving wild deer populations which if not managed can be destructive to native vegetation and habitats of other creatures. Local estates manage herds ethically, providing a sustainable source of high-quality venison.

 

Farming Excellence in West Sussex

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Slow Grown Farm

  • 100% grass-fed dairy, woodland pigs, and handcrafted cheeses like Graffham Down and Heyshott Half Moon.
  • Available at farmer’s markets and online. Keep an eye out for farm tours.

Goodwood Home Farm

 

Sussex Vineyards & Wine Experiences

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Sussex is the UK’s answer to Napa Valley, and its award-winning wines prove it.

Vineyards in West Sussex with Cellar Doors and Exceptional Food

  • Ashling Park Estate: the Vineyard Restaurant offers a unique farm-to-fork dining experience in the heart of Sussex wine country. Every plate tells a story of the Sussex landscape, inspired by the estate’s own wine, honey, kitchen garden, and greenhouses. Designed to complement the award-winning wines, the seasonal menus celebrate the rich flavours of the region in every course.
  • Tinwood Estate: enjoy modern British tapas in the Vineyard Kitchen or have a picnic amongst the vines. If you are staying in one of the lodges you can pre-order a three course dinner hamper delivered direct to your door.
  • Kinsbrook Vineyard:  the restaurant offers a seasonal menu of modern British dishes, created using fresh, locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients from trusted Sussex suppliers. 
  • Wiston Estate: Chalk restaurant celebrate the very best of Sussex’s seasonal ingredients, with a strong focus on produce grown, foraged, and farmed on Wiston Estate and its neighbouring lands. A six-course Estate Menu offers a refined tasting experience that reflects the heritage, natural landscape and sustainable values of the surrounding area.

 

Petworth: A Hidden Culinary Gem

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Beyond antiques and art, Petworth has a flourishing food scene.

 

Midhurst & Cowdray: Tradition Meets Taste

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Cowdray Estate

Fairview Wines: a wine-seller committed to working with artisan farmers and small family-run vineyards.

Comestibles: serves nourishing dishes made with produce from Goodwood Home Farm and other local heroes.

 

 

The Pig in the South Downs: A 25-Mile Menu

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Set in Madehurst, The Pig in the South Downs champions hyper-local dining. Their 25-mile menu ensures nearly every ingredient is sourced from nearby Sussex growers and producers. With an on-site vineyard and abundant kitchen garden, this is sustainable fine dining at its best.

West Sussex Coast: From Selsey Crab to Creamy Ice Cream

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Selsey

Sidlesham

  • Crab & Lobster: with a menu which proudly features ingredients from trusted local suppliers including fresh catch from Selsey fishermen and neighbouring diary farmers. 
  • Berries on Tap: enjoy the freshest soft fruit, picked daily and sold directly from the farm via a chilled, self-serve vending machine—delicious, locally grown produce with zero food miles.

Dell Quay

  • The Crown and Anchor: a pub with spectacular views and superb food in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bosham

 

Discover More Food and Drink in West Sussex

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From artisan chocolatiers and local cheesemakers to eco-conscious breweries and foraging walks, West Sussex has something to excite every foodie. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a full culinary tour, start your Sussex food adventure here.

Explore more places to eat and drink in Sussex