FOOD <strong>Sussex</strong> producers Balcombe Dairy, Balcombe, West <strong>Sussex</strong> 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. <strong>Sussex</strong> Gourmand, Brighton, East <strong>Sussex</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong> Gourmand produce <strong>Sussex</strong> 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 <strong>Sussex</strong> 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 <strong>Sussex</strong> gin. They sell a number of Gourmet Snack Kits, hampers and gifts sets online packed with lovely local produce to complement their Bresaola. 46 | sussexexclusive.com The Dorset Arms, Withyham Foodie experiences The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst, West <strong>Sussex</strong> Another multi award winning <strong>Sussex</strong> 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 <strong>Sussex</strong> 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 <strong>Sussex</strong> A brand-new experience has just launched at The Dorset Arms in Withyham, East <strong>Sussex</strong>. 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 <strong>Sussex</strong> 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 <strong>Sussex</strong> gin.
HANDCRAFTED IN ENGLAND roebuckestates.co.uk 47
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