Good food and drink, carefully made, should connect people to place. A good wine echoes of the slopes on which the vines grew. Ancient recipes speak of traditions and social conditions. Modern day producers showcase new food trends and changing environments. So, if you want to get to the heart of a place, whip out a napkin, dust off a glass and prepare to tuck in. And Arundel is a town with a history and heart that’s well worth a culinary exploration.
Traditional Arundel produce
They might not be easy to find but Arundel is famed for two particular food items. The first is grey mullet which used to swim in abundance in the river Arun, so much so that the people of Arundel became known as Mullets and mullets are listed as one of the Seven Good Things of Sussex. These days, there is plenty of seafood on the various restaurant menus of Arundel owing to its proximity to the sea, but these menus are light on mullet. So, if you want to sample this fundamentally Arundel dish, you may have to head to the Mobile Fish Stall which visits Charlie’s Farm Shop in nearby Bury every Thursday from 11am until 2pm.
The other traditional Arundel ‘eat’ is Lady of Arundel Mancet Bread. This is a sweet, rich bread from the 17th century eaten for breakfast or as part of a pudding. Elizabeth Grey (born in 1582) was an heiress who moved in royal circles and is famous for her recipes. One of these recipes, for Mancet Bread, was attributed to Elizabeth’s sister, the Countess of Arundel. We haven’t found anywhere we can buy it in Arundel at the moment yet, but there are various recipes online.
Juniper, hops and grapes
These days, Sussex is developing a reputation for its drink scene, whether that’s gin, wine or beer. But in fact, hops have been grown in Sussex for at least 500 years and grapes have been grown here a lot longer. Equally, gin may have been produced here as long ago as the 6th century and it was certainly taking hold by the 16th and 17th century. Of course, both gin and wine have enjoyed a massive resurgence in recent years and so a pits-stop for a quick sample of all of these, is always in the best interests of ‘local / cultural research’. Honest.
As luck would have it, Fauna Brewing in Arundel was founded by Philip Fitzalan Howard, the youngest son of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk of Arundel Castle. You’ll find the Fauna Tap in The Old Engine Shed, a beautiful Victorian building at the top of the town where they also serve local food.
Just down the road from the tap room is Digby Fine English Wine. They pride themselves on producing some of England’s finest bubbles (although not exclusively from Sussex grapes) and they are also the only high street tasting room in the country. That in itself is a good enough reason to stop by. To complete the set, Arundel Gin is making its mark on the town and is produced with water from the South Downs. You can buy their gins online.
Time for a cuppa
There are plenty of coffee shops in Arundel, but it’s the Tea and Biscuit Club that stands out, halfway down the High Street. With a pretty shop window, they have a fabulous selection of teas and herbal infusions from all around the world (so not quite the flavours of Sussex but compelling nonetheless) and as you step through the door, take a deep breath. The aroma is divine. Then choose your brew. (NB. this is somewhere you buy tea, not drink it).
Fire up the BBQ or pack a picnic
At the bottom of the High Street is a feast for the shopping basket. Arundel Butchers are family run and have an impressive shop window. Not all their meat is Sussex born and bred, but they do source some of it locally and if you’re a meat eater, there is plenty to choose from. Meanwhile, next door, is Pallant, an independent food store and wine merchant with local cheese, wine, charcuterie, honeys, jams and chutney. Perfect for a picnic down by the river!
Sweet treat
You can’t leave Arundel without a sweet treat. As luck would have it, you can dip your spoon into Roly’s Fudge Pantry, browse sweet jars in Lily’s Chocolate Box or stock up on some of the incredible pastries on offer at places like Belinda’s in Tarrant Street.
Afternoon tea
Head on over to Swanbourne Lake and Swanbourne Lodge Tea Room. Their afternoon tea comes with a choice of scones served with strawberry jam & clotted cream, a slice of cake and a platter of sarnies. And you can add a bottle of bubbles for that extra finishing touch.
Farmers market
On the third Saturday of every month, the Farmers Market in the centre of town is packed with local and Sussex produce. You’ll find everything from bread and pies, fruit and veg, and seafood and meat to sauces, sweet treats, honey and preserves!
At your service
With your basket full and your appetite whetted, there are plenty of great places to eat in Arundel too. At the Castle Café (inside the castle) you can enjoy castle grown herbs, Norfolk Estate beef and Sussex Charmer cheese.
The Parsons Table in town gets a mention in the Michelin guide, the Black Rabbit has fabulous riverside views and the Norfolk Arms has a secret garden and patio dining area. The George (formerly the George and Dragon) at nearby Burpham has a great reputation, and if all else fails, head over to Amberley Castle and dine in style!
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