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A restaurant, pub or café that offers an exceptionally enjoyable eating experience whilst promoting and using local ingredients.
WINNER

Found in the heart of Hurstpierpoint, the picturesque village nestled closely to the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, The Fig Tree is an elegant dining venue offering fresh and seasonal dishes. Tempt your tastebuds and indulge with their ever-changing set and a la carte menus. Husband and wife team James and Jodie also offer an outside catering service.
Judges comment:
Phil Edwards, MD, Lloyds Bank Cardnet Client Development, said: ‘Standing out in an amazing range of places to eat in Sussex, our winner offers a superb fine dining experience. They source excellent, quality ingredients, have a strong business, offering a relaxed atmosphere with impeccable service. They have an accessible menu which can be enjoyed for lunches, dinners and special occasions.”
Update 2021
During Covid restrictions, they offered a two and three-course take away menu of their delicious food, including bread and macarons. It has been a tough year for everyone and they would like to thank all their customers for their continuing support.
GRAND FINALISTS

‘Into the Blue’ has built up a fantastic reputation over the last decade and is one of the finest Seafood restaurants in Sussex. They pride themselves on delivering quality home cooked food combining classic and contemporary flavour combinations. David’s dishes are exciting and innovative with great flavour combinations that are unforgettable and will keep you coming back for more. They support local businesses, sourcing produce from as near as possible and serve British still and sparkling wines and craft beers.
2021 Update
During covid restrictions, they opened a hot Takeaway service and Celebration meals to finish at home for special occasions, so their wonderful food could still be enjoyed by customers at home.

The Cat Inn is an award winning 16th century free house, with four bedrooms, set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly with cosy indoor and a lovely outdoor terrace. Delicious food is cooked to order using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients with regularly changing seasonal menus. They pride themselves on the quality of their real ale, concentrating on local breweries as well as offering a good selection of Sussex wines.
Update 2021
During Covid restrictions, they created an online fresh provisions shop with click and collect and delivery. Take away Fish and Chips on Friday’s, Beer delivered locally and Finish at Home meals.
Entry is now closed for the below four categories in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2020! Our judges will be in contact with you soon if you have made the shortlist! Grand Finalists will be announced in March 2020.
SUSSEX STREET FOOD OF THE YEAR
Our winner will offer great food to be eaten in a mobile situation, including as many local ingredients as possible. Finalists will participate in a live competition at Horsham on 27th October.
CLOSED
SUSSEX YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR
Our winner will be aged 25 or under on 31/01/20, working or studying in Sussex, with a talent for creating a wonderful menu of creative dishes using local ingredients.
CLOSED
SUSSEX NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Our winner will be an innovative business from any part of the food and drink sector, supporting local produce, which has been trading for up to 3 years by end 2019; has the ambition and determination to succeed; and can demonstrate a realistic and sustainable business plan.
CLOSED
YOUNG SUSSEX FARMER OF THE YEAR
Our winner will be a young farmer aged 35 or under by end 2020. They can come from any sector within agriculture, horticulture or viticulture and must be involved in food or drink production. They could be part of the family farm (owned or tenanted), a student, an employee or self-employed. This young person should display the following attributes: vision; leadership; innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship; ability to incorporate new ideas and practices; ability to inspire others; and the desire to succeed and grow business.
CLOSED
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