Sussex Exclusive Magazine Edition II 2022

FOOD
Sussex producers
Balcombe Dairy, Balcombe,
West Sussex
Based on the Balcombe Estate (not far from
Haywards Heath), Chris Heyes is the man
behind Balcombe Dairy which makes small
batch, single herd, handmade blue cheese -
Blue Cloud. The cheese is made just feet from
where the cows whose milk is used are grazed
and milked.
Having worked at High Weald Dairy in
Horsted Keynes as a novice cheesemaker, Chris
was mentored by Michael Wisdom who had
worked for many years for both an Italian
cheesemaking family in the Kenyan mountains
and on his own farm there. In fact, Michael’s
talents were such that in 2009, one of his
semi-soft cheeses was named as the fifth-best
cheese in the world at the World Cheese
Awards! Inspired by his mentor’s passion and
attention to detail, Chris went on to study
with the Artisan School of Food and take
over from Michael when he retired as Master
Cheesemaker.
Blue Cloud has won multiple awards including
a gold medal at this year’s Artisan Cheese
Awards, and last year, Balcombe Dairy released
a new cheese, The Balcombe Breeze, a semi hard
Alpine style cheese. Both cheeses are available
locally at a number of local delis as well as
online via The Cheese Hut.
Sussex Gourmand, Brighton,
East Sussex
Sussex Gourmand produce Sussex venison and
beef Bresaola (a lean, cured meat from Italy).
They are passionate about their surrounding
landscape as well as about being sustainable and
ethical. They use local ingredients, and organic
and wild foods wherever possible.
In 2021 they won a Great Taste Award (guild
of Fine Food) which is just one in a number of
awards that they’ve won over the years. Their
artisan cured Sussex grass-fed beef and wild
venison Bresaola is additive-free and naturally
cured with hand-harvested, sustainable sea salt,
home-grown herbs, spices, hedgerow berries
and Sussex gin.
They sell a number of Gourmet Snack Kits,
hampers and gifts sets online packed with lovely
local produce to complement their Bresaola.
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The Dorset Arms, Withyham
Foodie experiences
The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst,
West Sussex
Another multi award winning Sussex
experience, The Artisan Bakehouse sits on
the edge of the South Downs down a quiet,
tree lined drive set in 5 acres of gardens and
woodland. The 16th century holiday cottages,
luxury shepherd hut and the Bakehouse with
its traditional wood burning oven provide
the perfect base to escape and learn the art of
traditional artisan bread making.
With a range of different workshops available
you can experience making various breads from
around the world, including sourdough, working
with wholegrains & Rye, Mediterranean flatbreads
& pizza, Bagels & Pretzels, Pastry, Viennoiserie
and enriched doughs, as well as seasonal classes
for St Patricks Day, Easter & Christmas. Amongst
their tutors is Sussex based international baker
and author, Emmanuel Hadjiandreou so you
are in safe hands, his knowledge and expertise is
infectious! Owner Les is the other lead tutor and
also brings a wealth of experience from his time
living in France, his classes are always very popular
with lots of laughs along the way!
Louise and Leigh are also always on hand to
make sure the experience is an exceptional one,
with handmade refreshments and seasonal lunch
to compliment the days. You can also stay in
one of their beautiful holiday cottages or luxury
shepherd’s hut if you choose to extend your day
to explore more of the area. From time to time
they also host pop up café openings and other
seasonal events.
A Secret Garden Lodge, Withyham,
East Sussex
A brand-new experience has just launched at
The Dorset Arms in Withyham, East Sussex. The
Secret Garden Lodges are in the grounds of The
Dorset Arms and are decorated in vibrant faux
florals and foliage, inspired by the Regency period,
with untamed vines, free falling wisteria and bold
roses and flowers. Seating 2-10 guests in each
lodge, with full sized dining tables, gramophone
style Bluetooth speakers, you even have your own
mini cocktail lounge with soft seating.
Vibrant in the daytime and magical at night, the
lodges are lit by magical twinkling lights. The
lodges have double opening doors and windows
both sides to offer a breezy, al fresco experience
on warmer days and The Dorset Arms provide
a bespoke lodge menu, which includes amazing
dishes such as lobster, prawns, Tapas, beautiful
main courses made with lots of local produce.
Their artisan
cured Sussex
grass-fed
beef and
wild venison
Bresaola is
additive-free
and naturally
cured with
hand-harvested,
sustainable
sea salt,
home-grown
herbs, spices,
hedgerow
berries and
Sussex gin.