Most visitors know Crowborough as the gateway to Ashdown Forest, and it is. But when we visited it as part of our Town of the Month series, I certainly wasn’t expecting to find a foodie hotspot. But as with so many places in Sussex, scratch the surface a little, and all sorts of treats rise to the surface. From vineyards and farm shops to elegant tea rooms, outstanding country pubs and a very popular supper club, this High Weald town surrounded by unspoilt countryside, could easily become a destination for food lovers.
Birchden Vineyard and the Blackbird Café
About 10 minutes’ drive north of Crowborough, tucked away in the beautiful High Weald countryside near Groombridge, Birchden Vineyard feels wonderfully off the beaten track. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely brunch, a light lunch or simply a glass of Sussex wine overlooking the vines, it’s well worth the short detour. At the heart of the vineyard is the welcoming Blackbird Café, serving everything from freshly made galettes and crêpes to charcuterie boards perfect for sharing and seasonal weekend specials. It is an ideal spot to pause after a countryside walk or simply to soak up the peaceful surroundings.
We first discovered Birchden while searching for its renowned fresh asparagus. Straight from the farm, it was some of the freshest we’ve ever tasted – so tender it can even be enjoyed raw. Alongside our asparagus, we couldn’t resist taking home a pot of the vineyard’s homemade wild garlic pesto, another delicious reminder of the quality of the local produce on offer.
Beyond the café, Birchden offers plenty of reasons to linger. Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours and wine tastings, book vineyard picnics among the vines or head home with a bottle or two of Sussex wine. It’s also perfectly placed if you’ve been exploring the surrounding countryside, with Harrison’s Rocks, the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk and the High Weald Landscape Trail all close by.
Wildwood Vineyard
If Birchden is all about relaxed café culture, then nearby Wildwood Vineyard offers a wonderfully immersive wine experience. This family-owned, off-grid vineyard, tucked away near Eridge, is another hidden gem where sustainability, exceptional English wine and beautiful countryside come together. Visitors can join a guided vineyard tour, learn about the art of English winemaking and enjoy a tasting of Wildwood’s award-winning wines. To make the experience even more memorable, add an East Sussex cheese platter featuring artisan cheeses from the Traditional Cheese Dairy in Waldron, expertly paired with the wines. Expect delicious local favourites including Burwash Rose, Olde Sussex, Lord of the Hundreds and Goodweald Smoked.
The Hurstwood
For a memorable lunch or dinner in the Sussex countryside, make time for The Hurstwood. Hidden away in the tiny hamlet of High Hurstwood, this beautiful country pub is well worth seeking out, with its beamed interiors, fabulous wallpaper and expansive covered terrace that allows you to enjoy the garden whatever the weather.
Owned by husband-and-wife team Martin and Lenka, The Hurstwood has evolved into one of the area’s finest gastropubs. The menus celebrate the best seasonal Sussex produce, while Lenka’s passion for foraging brings wild ingredients to many of the dishes.
We visited for lunch and were thoroughly impressed. I began with an outstanding crab cake in the most delicious creamy dill sauce – a dish that was both elegant and full of flavour, and followed that with a beautifully spiced lamb kofta served alongside a fresh Greek salad and cooling tzatziki. Around the table there was equally high praise for the crab linguine, while the menu also featured tempting favourites such as salt and pepper squid alongside a changing selection of seasonal dishes.
The excellent-value set lunch is a wonderful introduction to Martin’s cooking.
Carson’s Vintage Tea House
No foodie tour of Crowborough would be complete without afternoon tea, and for that there’s only one destination – Carson’s Vintage Tea House. Step through the door and you’ll immediately understand why it has become such a favourite. Beautifully decorated with William Morris-inspired interiors, vintage china and an irresistible display of cakes and sweet treats, it recaptures the charm of the traditional British tea room while giving it a thoroughly modern twist. Even the loos are among the smartest you’ll find in town.
The team describe their mission as “reinvigorating British tea culture” and expect an extensive selection of premium loose-leaf teas, including Carson’s own Sussex Royal Tea, specially blended for the tea house in Arundel, alongside locally roasted coffee and an impressive choice of locally sourced food and drink. Bread, meats, beers, wines and spirits are all sourced as close to home as possible, reflecting the best of Sussex producers.
Freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and an ever-changing selection of sweet treats make this one of the county’s finest places to indulge in a classic afternoon tea. Better still, Carson’s is dog-friendly, making it an ideal stop after a walk on Ashdown Forest or in the surrounding High Weald. Relax, linger over another pot of tea and leave with one of their takeaway menus already planning your next visit.
Take a Taste of Crowborough Home
Before heading home, take a little of Crowborough with you by seeking out some of the area’s wonderful local produce. If you’re visiting on the fourth Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Crowborough Farmers’ Market, where local growers, farmers and artisan producers gather to showcase the very best the region has to offer. From fresh fruit and vegetables to cheeses, preserves, baked goods and handcrafted treats, it’s a wonderful celebration of Sussex food.
For everyday shopping with a distinctly local flavour, call in at Leppards Butchers. Renowned for the quality of its meat, the shop also stocks an excellent range of Sussex produce, making it far more than just a traditional butcher. Alongside their own homemade biltong and irresistible pork scratchings, you’ll find local honey, free-range eggs, artisan jams and preserves, locally made ice cream and a variety of other regional specialities. It’s the perfect place to fill a picnic basket or pick up a few delicious souvenirs of your visit.
Crow’s Nest Supper Club
Finally, for one of Crowborough’s most unique dining experiences, keep an eye on the Crow’s Nest Supper Club. More than simply a meal out, it’s an intimate evening that combines the atmosphere of a dinner party with the quality of a fine restaurant. We haven’t had a chance to try this yet but it looks excellent! Launched during the pandemic, the supper club grew from a shared passion for great food and hospitality. Held usually twice a month, each event welcomes a small number of guests for an evening that’s relaxed, sociable and unforgettable. Whenever possible, home grown vegetables and local ingredients are used. Themes change throughout the year, with forthcoming evenings including a Viva la France experience.
The only challenge is securing a place. Such is the popularity of the supper club that August, September and even November dates have already sold out, with only limited availability remaining for October at the time of writing. If you love discovering hidden foodie experiences, this is undoubtedly one to watch – and when bookings are released, don’t hesitate for too long.
One of the things I have loved about Crowborough is that it is surrounded by glorious countryside, much of which feels unspoilt and undiscovered. But to discover so many foodie hotspots (including of course, Alteus Wines in the town) starts to make it a really great destination for those of us that love nothing more than some great walks, a dollop of history and lashings of wonderful food.
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