It is always great when visiting somewhere new to try something local. This not only supports the local ecomony, but can often be a great way of trying new tastes and experiences. Buying and using local produce is also more sustainable, reducing food miles and helping to reduce the carbon footprint. It also means you get fresh and seasonal produce with provenance you can trace. Take a look and discover some of the great local producers and suppliers within South East England.
Have a go and create your own 'Made in the South East' momento at one of the fun workshops available across the destination. Try a new skill, have fun learning whilst on a short break away and meet up with other like minded individuals.
Locally Made Produce
- Every drop of Bombay Sapphire Gin consumed in the UK and shipped around the world is made right here in the South East at their distillery on the outskirts of the small Hampshire village of Whitchurch, Near Winchester. Pop along for a tour, cocktail making workshop or visit their online shop. Discover some of the other breweries and distilleries producing beer and gin across the South East here.
- The Sussex Guild have both a shop and gallery in Lewes, an online presence and they regularly pop up at events around South East England. With a wonderful selection of original diverse crafts made by 37 selected local designer-makers, from large bespoke furniture pieces to small gift items.
- Solley’s has been producing delicious real dairy ice cream on the family farm for over three decades. Pop along to the farm on your next visit to Deal in Kent, with over 15 flavours of ice cream to choose from, a ice cream sundae is definitely in order.
- Cobbs Farm Shop and Kitchen grow their own produce on their regenerative 55 acre farm. The farm shop, delicatessen, butchers and pop-up fish monger are all well-stocked with home-grown and locally sourced produce. Relax in the fully licensed cafe and enjoy home-grown, award-winning English Sparkling Wine with nutritious, homemade seasonal food.
- Experience a locally brewed artisan amber ale, infused with a garlic note brewed right here in the South East on the Isle of Wight at the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm. There are a host of distillery and brewery tours available throughout South East England, see how it is Made in the South East
- Did you know? Hastings is home to one of the largest beach launched fishing fleets in Europe. The small inshore boats use sustainable methods to catch their fish which have been landed at The Stade for over 1000 years.
- South East England is the wine capital of the UK, home ot over 40 plus vineyards producing 'Made in South East' English wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting and learn more about how English wine is produced or enjoy lunch amongst or overlooking the vines.
- Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Grade 2 star listed watermill and visitor attraction on the banks of the River Test in Hampshire. Today it produces spectacular silks for today's luxury market, using origional Victorian machines, skills and traditions that have existed at the Mill since 1815.
- Discover the historic fortifications of Old Portsmouth which has been transformed into 13 modern artist studios, offering everything from sculptures to paintings and weaving. Why not head along to one of their regular workshops and have a go, or visit the monthly market to discover a host of Made in South East products on sale.
- With a passion for the Brighton homegrown and offbeat indy food & drink scene, join a Brighton Food Tour and take a journey to meet some of Brighton’s most exciting and unusual independent vendors and producers.
- The Lavender Fields, at Hartley Park Farm, Hampshire has been growing lavendar since 1999 and is open to the visitors from late June to August. Using their own high quality essential lavender and rosemary oils, they have developed a range of light, delicately perfumed hand, body, and home fragrance products which is available online or on site.
- Fallen Acorn in Gosport, Hampshire, offers guided tours of the brewery and the brew process, with 8 different beers to taste, exclusive tasting glass and a reserved Tap Room table for after the tour.
- Its been 30 years since Hampshire Fare was created bringing today some of Hampshire's finest local producer. Discover what you can buy, where to buy or try it.
It might surpirse you at the number of local producers and suppliers making right here in South East England. Visit the 26 destination websites in the South East here and discover a whole host of other businesses using, producing or supplying made in South East products.
Please continue to support South East businesses, they need your help more than ever. Whilst on holiday, shop local and support the businesses in the area, enjoy a tour and tasting experience or visit a farm to fork attraction and learn more about how everything is made and cared for. Don't forget to share your stories and experiences with friends and family, and with us too #lovesoutheastengland, so we can all enjoy these great places on our next South East adventures.