• The Bull, High Street, Ditchling, 
  • East Sussex , 
  • BN6 8TA

01273843147

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Sussex Peasant Supper

We held out first collaboration evening with friend-of-the-pub Ed from the Sussex Peasant. Here's our write up of the night.

Celebration of the Season

There’s something quietly lovely about a room full of people who care about where their food comes from. People who attentively listen to hear the tale behind the dishes, like a child hearing a bedtime story.

Combine that with easy laughter, the smell of something delicious roasting nearby, that simple sense of belonging (plus an impromptu round of ‘Happy Birthday’) and you’ve got a very special evening indeed.

Our newly decorated Dame Vera Lynn Room glowed with warmth – candlelight, a crackling fire, and the soft hum of contented conversation. It felt, in the loveliest way, like home (just with better wine and fewer dishes to wash).

Bring on the Bubbly

We kicked things off with a glass of sparkling wine from our neighbours at Ridgeview (always the right way to start an evening, we think).

Then Landlord Phil spoke warmly about why supporting local farmers, producers, and makers means so much to him— not just because the food’s fantastic (and it is) but because it keeps our community thriving.. Then he handed over to Ed from Sussex Peasant, who brought that same passion to life.

Farm-Focused Chat

Ed talked about what makes buying local so powerful. How 65p of every £1 spent at a Sussex Peasant pop-up farm shop goes directly to the farmers and producers who grow, rear, and craft the food.

He thanked everyone who supports his farm shops – from families who fill their baskets for the week, to the lady who comes by for just one perfect egg. You’ll find him here at The Bull every Thursday from 9am to 2pm (along with his tummy-rub-loving Jack Russell “Spud”).

His love for local produce shone through as he described the seasonal ingredients on our special set menu — the kind of enthusiasm that makes you see a humble squashy. wonky carrot, or a crisp pear in a whole new light.

Sussex Peasant Website

Time to Eat

Starters included roasted squash tortellini (with a sage beurre noisette and walnut dukka) – Head Chef Henri challenged himself and made fresh pasta using locally milled flour. Crab beignet (with hot honey glaze) and a light-and-fresh pear and Blue Cloud (that’s a Sussex Blue cheese to you and me) salad too.

For mains included a wild mushroom pie with plenty of seasonal veg (accompanied by the most comforting cheese sauce imaginable), and a twice-cooked pork belly served with proper gravy.

And then, of course, pudding. A creamy crème brûlée or a sticky toffee pudding made with locally picked apples – both clear crowd-pleasers, both leaving only empty plates behind.

Warm & Well-Fed

Head Chef Henri had worked his quiet magic again turning ingredients sourced within a ten-mile radius of the pub into something truly special. Nothing fancy or fussy, just honest cooking that celebrated what’s growing and grazing around us right now.

By the end of the night, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just dinner. It was a true celebration – of community, of seasonality, of the joy that comes from eating really, really local. A proper love-in for food sourced on your doorstep (or picked from our herb garden).

And as everyone drifted home, warm and well-fed, we couldn’t help but think how lucky we are to be at the heart of such special community.

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