There is something wonderful about a walking meal. And if you’ve ever taken part in a Randonnée Gourmande in France, the Italian Magnalonga wine festivals or the Ludlow Magnalonga, you’ll know that already.
Long before tasting menus and food festivals, people travelled on foot for far more profound reasons. Along the way, they rested in inns, shared bread and ale with strangers, exchanged stories and discovered new places one step at a time. On 25 July, the Feast of St James, Winchelsea will revive something of that spirit with the launch of its first Gastronomic Promenade. But this is neither a food festival nor just a scenic walk with refreshments along the way. It is a journey through one of the finest (and smallest) medieval towns in Sussex, layered with history, beautiful landscapes and a chance to immerse yourself in the flavours of the region.
The Feast of St James
St James is the patron saint of pilgrims, and for centuries, 25 July marked a day of celebration, hospitality and feasting across Europe. While few of us now set out on long religious journeys, there remains something deeply satisfying about discovering an area at walking pace and slowly savouring each stop on the route.
New Winchelsea
Founded by Edward I after the sea claimed the original town, Winchelsea’s broad medieval streets still hint at the ambition of England’s great planned ports. Hidden beneath many of its houses lie vaulted cellars, reminders of the days when merchants traded wine from across the Channel and prosperity flowed through the Cinque Ports. Beyond the town walls and ancient gates, distant views stretch towards the sea and the cliffs that roll on to Hastings.
Gastronomic Promenade: the details
Rather than gathering in a single venue, guests move gently through the town and countryside, enjoying each course in a different setting. The experience begins with a Winchelsea welcome in the New Hall, with a Norman Orchard Scone, made with Sussex blue cheese, walnuts and rosemary, and served with a fig and honey chutney. What a fabulous nod to our Normandy / Sussex heritage.
Then to the Saluation Cellar, one of the most elaborate of the 32 accessible late 13th and early 14th century Winchelsea undercrofts where walkers will enjoy a Cinque Ports Breakfast Martini infused with quince. All of which sets the scene for the Mayor to provide some historical context before waving walkers off.
At Winchelsea Farm Kitchen, walkers stock up on with a snack and spring water before continuing on what is a seven-mile route that unfolds at an unhurried pace through medieval streets to hidden gardens, grassy pastures, the banks of the Royal Military Canal and quiet country lanes. Along the way there are moments to pause, enjoy live music and admire some of the finest views in East Sussex.
Lunch is served at the Queens Head in nearby Icklesham, where roasted garlic, thyme and lemon chicken, or a vibrant heritage beetroot and chickpea alternative, reflects Sussex hospitality, accompanied by Racketeers Pale Ale. Like every stop along the route, the food reflects the landscape. This is not medieval cookery; it is contemporary Sussex cuisine served in places where history still has a stong hand of influence.
The walk then returns towards Winchelsea for what may become the day’s most memorable tradition.
The Winchelsea Doucette
As the promenade takes place on St James’s Day, guests will become the very first people to enjoy the Winchelsea Doucette, a signature dessert created especially for the occasion by local resident and former restaurateur Natasha Robinson, daughter of Britain’s first three-Michelin-starred chef, Nico Ladenis. Rather than claiming an ancient custom that never existed, Winchelsea is creating a new tradition from scratch. The Doucette is intended to become part of the town’s annual St James’s Day celebrations.
The ultimate pairing
The journey end at Charles Palmer Vineyards, where local cheeses, chutney and crackers are paired with the estate’s Chardonnay. It is a fitting finale. English wine has become one of Sussex’s great success stories, and there is something wonderfully symbolic about ending among the vines, reflecting on a route that has carried visitors through centuries of history and where the Sussex wine industry had some of its very earliest roots.
Tickets for the Winchelsea Gastronomic Promenade can be purchased via: https://www.wineandfoodfair.events/gastroprom
Good to know
- The Gastronomic Promenade is a dog friendly (sponsored by local doggy day care), zero waste experience (working with Community Compost Solutions).
- Ticket sales will close five days before the event.
- Wherever possible, everything will be sourced locally, using local talent. The idea is to really champion local businesses, support producers and raise awareness on food provenance.
- Walkers will receive a souvenir passport on a lanyard and get a stamp at each venue on the promenade.
- The event is part of the wider evolution of Rye Harvest Wine & Food Fair, which is developing more sustainable, bookable food, wine and walking experiences across Rye, Winchelsea and the surrounding 1066 countryside.
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