WHAT
Farm shop café
WHERE
A22, Junction Hindleap Lane; 3 minutes
WHEN
Shop Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, coffee barn until 4pm
Check seasonal hours online
Vegetarian or vegan options
Gluten-free options
Organic
Parking available onsite
Recycling/sustainability practices
If heading to Gatwick from the south east, you might well pass near Forest Row, known for its on-trend café culture. For an altogether earthier experience, head to Plaw Hatch instead: a 200-acre community-owned farm on the edge of Ashdown Forest.
This biodynamic farm is home to beef cattle, a dairy herd, sheep, pigs and laying hens. There's an open-access policy so you can watch the cows being milked at 4pm most days. Green-fingered magic happens in the 12-acre rotational garden, where the polytunnel-to-plate journey is speedy. In the low, red-brick farm shop, stacks of home-grown goodness join local organic goods on the shelves; the sheepskins and wool from the flock make lovely gifts.
High Weald hikers compile hearty picnics at Plaw Hatch Pantry. Think local cheese and honey, seasonal veggies and biodynamic wines. In the Coffee Barn, order a hot drink from Nik to go with your fresh pastry, croissant or one of Kate's legendary cakes. Dogs welcome on leads in the barn.
Plaw Hatch Farm,
Plawhatch Lane, Sharpthorne,
East Grinstead,
RH19 4JL
Tel - 01342 810201
Email - Send email to Plaw Hatch Farm
Web - www.plawhatchfarm.co.uk
Buy The Extra Mile Guide
The Extra Mile: Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services is your essential glovebox guide to good food on the move. The guidebook is a great gift for motorists and foodies who prefer to avoid motorway services and boring, big-brand food. Find independent cafes, pubs, local coffee and tea shops and lovely farm shops near motorway junctions and main roads. To improve your journey, support small businesses and discover real local flavours, order your copy today (edition 4 published March 2023 and available now).
