Pulborough is a town of many surprises. There are the hidden remnants of its long past, like the motte and bailey mound, its Medieval churches and its array of historic buildings and bridges. Then there are the sculptures which you’ll find at Wiggonholt Common, Pulborough Brooks and along the footpaths towards the town. There’s even a miniature railway in the town, and perhaps most importantly of all, there are some good hotspots to attract the discerning Sussex foodie.
Vineyards
Pulborough and the surrounding area is great for interesting and high quality vineyards. Immediately within the vicinity of the town are Nyetimber, Nutbourne, Stopham, Kinsbrook and Southlands Valley Wines.
They are all very different and offer different vineyard experiences, from the more formal and grand setting at Nyetimber, to the windmill in the grounds at Nutbourne, the French vibe of Kinsbrook and the community atmosphere at Southlands. If wine is your thing, make Pulborough your base for a bit of exploring.
Talking of wine, in the town centre you’ll also find Hennings, “purveyors of fine wines and spirits” and a well respected source of knowledge who can help in your quest to find the perfect bottle of wine.
Bagels
Who knew that Pulborough would become the bagel capital of Sussex? Or maybe even the world? Jacob’s Bagels bake beautiful, soft bagels using organic ingredients whilst being powered by solar panels. The bagels are all hand shaped and there are no additives! You can collect your bagels from them, order them online or find them at local markets but better still they also offer bagel and pretzel making experience days!
Pies, cheeses, meats and cold cuts
Right in the heart of Pulborough and conveniently next door to Hennings, is MJ Suter Butcher of Pulborough. With their stable door operating as a counter, fill your basket with homemade sausage rolls, pasties, pies, scotch eggs, artisan cheeses and, of course, a great selection of meat. It’s not the only butcher in town, and Coughtrey’s Butchers are a little further north of the town on Stane Street.
Farm shops
Charlie’s Farm Shop is just outside Pulborough at Bury. Part of a good old family-run dairy farm, Southview, the shop is the place to go for local produce. They have a butchery that serves beef, milk-fed pork and rose veal, all reared on the farm, together with lamb, pork, poultry and game all sourced as locally as possible. They also sell locally sourced fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread, cakes, beers and wines and host a fresh fish stall once a week.
Pulborough café culture
There have been a few changes in Pulborough’s café scene in 2024. Sad as locals were to say goodbye to Little Bean in Lower Street, it has now been transformed into The Pulbrew by a local family. They are dog friendly and independent and right opposite the Pulborough Exchange where you can rummage for furniture, china, glassware and more. Back by the bridge, there is a new coffee shop and bar in town by the name of Macklin’s. The coffee shop had barely opened its doors when we visited and grabbed one of their very first servings of coffee and cake.
But if it’s views you’re after, head on down to Pulborough Brooks for coffee overlooking the nature reserve.
All of which just leaves time to hop over to the historic Stopham Bridge for a spot of lunch at The White Hart situated right on the river banks.
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