The area around Heathfield in East Sussex is one of farmers, makers and producers. They say, to get to the heart of a place you have to eat there (or perhaps it’s just me that says that) but from traditionally made cheese to grass-reared lamb and sparkling wine, this corner of the High Weald does seem to be a treasure trove of local flavour. Whether you’re hunting for weekend market treats or stocking your kitchen year-round, here is our round up of local producers and places to eat to help keep your larder full and your pantry groaning.
Waldron Market at Holy Cross Priory
The original Waldron Market started out as the WI Market more than 35 years ago. It then joined the national “Country Markets Ltd”. Despite the all too familiar issues that the Covid lockdown caused, since then, this market has risen like a “Pheonix from the ashes”. Held on the second Thursday of every month (10.00am through to 12.30pm) it is indoors in a very elegant principal mid-Victorian building (Lewes Road, Cross in Hand). They have a maximin of 17 participants with seven of these providing just about all the essentials in the way of foods, locally grown fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, local cheeses and venison, plus lovely cake and sweet treats, etc. The remaining traders bring a wide range of high-quality crafts for both humans and pets. Refreshments are served in the wonderful Broughton Lounge. It is even possible to reserve a table in the Stonehill Restaurant for lunch. From time to time they have live entertainment as well.
Clayton Organic Farm
Clayton Hills is a family run farm in between Heathfield and Mayfield. Their “Hen on the Gate” award-winning farm shop sells a range of meats, eggs and vegetables. They are Soil Association accedited.
They also have an organic vineyard with over 16 acres of planted vines where they grow Pinot Noir, Meunier, Pinot Noir Precoce, Chardonnay, Bacchus, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Regent. Visits to the vineyard are available by arrangement.
Another first rate vineyard on the outskirts of Mayfield is Fox and Fox:
The Traditional Cheese Dairy
This family dairy at Waldron just outside Heathfield got rave reviews when we gave a shout out to Sussex cheese on social media. They are third-generation dairy farmers who produce a selection of award-winning handmade cheeses including Burwash Rose, Olde Sussex, Olde Sussex Truckle, Scrummy Sussex and other delights. Their Lord of the Hundreds is a sheep’s milk cheese, all the rest are cows milk. They make the cheese on the family farm so all the cows milk comes fresh from the herd in the morning. They all use raw milk except for the Burwash Rose which is pasteurised.
Cuculo Cheese & Wine
We stumbled in here by chance on a rainy day, lured by the name and a mouthwatering smell. You’ll find it on the High Street in Heathfield and they have lots more than just cheese and wine. Think pizza, sweet treats, sausages, platters and more. We didn’t want to leave.
C L Leppard Butcher
Just down the road from Cuculo is C L Leppard who seem to pop up all over East Sussex (they are also in Crowborough and Mayfield). They sell cuts of locally sourced meat and seem to have a great reputation in the area.
Seasons by Jason
Keep walking and you can’t miss this greengrocers. We can’t vouch for how much of it is hyper local (I’m not sure that we’re producing oranges in Sussex yet) but it’s worth stopping by to fill up your basket.
Hidden Spring Vineyard
Jump on your bike and pedal down the Cuckoo Trail to this 23 acre vineyard at Horam. They are award winning and produce still and sparkling wines from grapes grown on-site. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours and the unique pleasure of drinking wine where it was made. Perfect to go with your cheese.
Cranesden Farm
Cranesden Farm is a 30 acre small holding just south of Mayfield. They breed free range pork including sausages and gammon, Dexter beef, lamb, hogget and mutton. They also supply C L Leppard, Middle House (in Mayfield) and Pink Cabbage (in Heathfield). They butcher their own pork, lamb and beef, and also sell eggs and meat at the gate to local residents. They also have self catering accommodation.
Dernwood Farm
Dernwood is another family run farm with a focus on re-wilding and sustainable practices. They have a campsite just south of Heathfield and you can buy their home reared meat at their shop.
Two Tails Taproom
Two Tails is the name of a new drinking experience that holds regular pop-up events with a view to providing a full tap room experience whilst showcasing the best of Sussex’s independent and craft beer, wine, cider and spirits. Although we missed them on our visit, they pop up at the Union Church, rotating selections from breweries, vineyards and distillers with regular appearances from Long Man Brewery, Gun Brewery, Battle Brewery, Beacon Down and Hidden Spring.
Heathfield Farmers’ Market
The Heathfield Farmers’ Market takes place on the third Saturday of every month, from 9am to 12:30pm, in the Co-op car park. As you’d expect, they have a variety of stalls offering local meats, cheeses, baked goods and fresh produce, as well as crafts and other artisan items.
Chocolate
Not a local brand but if you pop into All Wrapped Up, you should be able to buy some fabulous Cambridge Chocolate Company chocolate to go with your cheese!
Coopers Farm
This part of Sussex really is farm country and this organic farm at Hadlow Down produces 28 day hung beef, homegrown pork and free range hen /duck, and they sell directly from the farm, at local village markets, at local events and directly to local pubs and restaurants.
Ice cream
For local ice cream, you’ll need to head over to Uckfield and Latchetts Farm. They make gelato and sorbet in their parlour using the milk from their cows.
Mayfield Gin
Not from Heathfield but they do have a gin named the Cuckoo Line which is a Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Liqueur using using Mayfield Sussex Hop Gin as a gin base. Their Sussex Hop Gin is made with, unsurprisingly, the Sussex hop! Talking of hops, there are hops still growing at Robertsbridge not far away.
Gun Brewery and Taproom
If you need beer, head to this multi award winning brewery where you’ll find beers in cans, bottles, growlers and mini kegs to take away, along with fresh beer. They also have an ever changing roster of Sussex’s finest street food vendors.
A bite to eat
Having cycled the Cuckoo Trail or walked the disused railway, you may be ready for a bite to eat. There are a handful of cafés in town (Aroma, The Pink Cabbage and Twinn), and local restaurants include Heathes – a Turkish restaurant, The Gun, The Runt in Tun and the Heathfield Tavern.
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