Cliffe High Street, Lewes.

www.real-eating.co.uk

01273 402650

Lewes foodstore opening times: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9.30am-4pm.
Restaurant: Mon-Tues 9am-6pm, Tues-Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 9.30am-4pm

In the three years The Real Eating Company has been in Hove, it’s become widely recognised as one of the finest foodie havens in the city and has received nationwide acclaim.

So, people of Lewes rejoice – the company has opened a second branch and it’s on your doorstep.

“I always thought Lewes was a fantastic place – there’s a real interest in good quality food,” says owner Helena Hudson, who found the perfect location on the site of the former Long Room restaurant.

“People are talking about Lewes becoming the next foodie town in the UK, somewhere like Ludlow. It seemed to fit what we are about.”

The new establishment operates in the same way as the Hove branch in Western Road, offering a wholesome, all-day menu, which can be eaten in casual, homely surroundings, as well as a quality food store which includes a deli and bakery.

The expansion coincides with the appointment of a new executive chef, who devised the business’s current menu.

Darren Velvick started his career at L’Oranger with Marcus Wareing before moving to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and then to the Michelin-starred Petrus in Knightsbridge, where he was head chef from 2002 until last year.

“His food is fantastic and he really inspires the kitchen team. He’s a great asset to the business,” says Helena, who describes the menu as “casual comfort food using the best ingredients we can find”.

“It’s the kind of food most people want to eat most of the time – and it’s done incredibly well.”

Braised Pork Belly with Quince
Puree and Roasted Swede

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is seasonal and ever-changing – but could include French toast with crispy bacon, Cumberland sausages and roast onions on sourdough bread, and Pata Negra ham with fried eggs. “The dishes are simple and without fuss, letting the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves,” says Helena.

On the shelves in the store you’ll find fresh and packaged goods from fruit, vegetables and herbs to fresh bakery products, charcuterie and cheese, also available to order online. The take-away counter serves snacks, fresh shakes and juices as well as meals. There are interesting and unusual items from around the world, gourmet treats, and masses of local and organic produce.

Helena, a former media director, launched The Real Eating Company exactly three years ago. It was always her intention to expand.

Last year, she opened the first Real Eating Company Coffee Bar in Horsham, in partnership with kitchen shop Steamer Trading. She is aiming to expand all aspects of the business in the South East this year, looking to towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Guildford and Chichester.

Helena hopes 2007 will build on the incredible success the company has had already – last year alone the business was awarded a Bib Gourmand, had enviable reviews in the Guardian, Independent On Sunday and Sunday Telegraph, was named one of the best places to have breakfast in the South East by the Observer Food Monthly and was featured in glossy magazine Grazia, which shortlisted Helena for its Businesswoman of The Year award.

Review by Leilah Nicola
Pictures by Alan Jones

• If you are interested in restaurants in Brighton, Hove and Sussex, visit www.theargusfoodguide.co.uk