Over 60 Lewes food and drink makers and the places that serve and sell local produce are already listed on a new Lewes food and drink directory at Sussexfoodanddrink.org and organisers are calling for more businesses to get their free listing.
“With support from Lewes District Council, we have created this directory to help local businesses reach new customers,” said Hilary Knight, Co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC.
“The directory includes a Sussex-wide list as well as localised district directories, with over 750 Sussex businesses listed and shown on a map. Buyers from the retail and hospitality businesses who wish to increase their local produce ranges use these lists, as well as residents and visitors who are looking to eat, drink and enjoy local fare.”
Eleven Lewes district businesses have now made a pledge as part of the Sussex Six Campaign to take on at least six new Sussex food and drink products or ingredients to support local producers, reduce food miles and boost the local economy.
These businesses include: John Harvey Tavern, Seasons of Lewes and Lewes Depot in Lewes; Downsview Dairy Truck in Ringmer; Glynde Post Office & Stores and Little Cottage Tea Rooms in Glynde; Holmansbridge Farm Shop in Barcombe; Middle Farm Shop and Tea Room in West Firle; The Rows and Vines, Ridgeview Estate in Ditchling; and The View in Seaford.
“Please support our Sussex Six businesses and we would love for more hospitality and retail businesses to join the Sussex Six Campaign to get more local produce onto the shop shelves and menus across Lewes district, so please visit our website and make the pledge,” continued Hilary Knight.
Cllr Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature & Food Systems at Lewes District Council, said: “We encourage more businesses to sign the pledge to serve and sell more local produce, and urge local residents to support these businesses.
“It’s good for our local communities and it’s good for the environment.”
The Sussex Six campaign is run by Natural Partnerships, a community interest company which specialises in local food, drink and farming projects, with support from Lewes District Council and district councils across Sussex.
There will also be regular business networking and meet the producer/buyer events to put businesses in touch with providers and seasonal campaigns raising awareness of produce available locally over the coming year.