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An innovative food & drink business supporting local produce, which has been trading for up to 3 years, with the ambition and determination to succeed and a realistic and sustainable business plan.
WINNER
Heritage by Matt Gillan, Slaugham, West Sussex
One of Sussex’s finest rural destination venues, a beacon of quality food, drink and hospitality. Menus are founded in classical techniques carefully combined with Matt’s signature twists. Multi-course tasting menus range from 3 to 9 courses, paired with a captivating drinks menu, with creative cocktails and exceptional wines. All menus change seasonally and are largely influenced by the incredible produce available from the Sussex countryside surrounding the restaurant, where you can book to stay overnight in one of the cosy and inviting boutique bedrooms.
Judges comment:
Michael Riazi, Director at SRC-Time, said: ‘Matt’s vision and the quality of his team make this new business an exciting new jewel in the Sussex collection of great places to enjoy superb food and drink, as well as presenting a strong and impressive business plan.’
2021 Update
Whilst Heritage has been closed due to lockdown, they kept busy with Parlour, offering luxury ‘finish at home’ caddies for nationwide delivery as well as local collection.
GRAND FINALISTS
Heritage Wheat, Keymer, West Sussex
Heritage Wheat grows and mills heritage wheats to make flour with a difference. Firstly, it tastes amazing, as different varieties have different characters and taste. Secondly, it can be more easy on the digestion for people suffering from acquired gluten intolerance. They grow the grain in an environmentally friendly way using conservation agriculture.
Skylark Cafe Restaurant, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Based in Eastbourne, Skylark is a licensed café-restaurant offering relaxed, informal dining with knowledgeable and friendly service and menus which are seasonal, using the very best of what is available throughout the year. They are proud to have great relationships with their suppliers, the majority of them in Sussex, if not Eastbourne itself, allowing them to source the freshest, best tasting produce.
Update 2021
It has been an extremely turbulent year but they have weathered the storm by continually adapting their offering around the ever-changing restrictions, supported by their loyal customers.