Love Local: Our top picks for a very South Downs Christmas

Here at South Downs Water, we’re big fans of supporting our fellow local businesses in the region. As we come to the end of a tricky year for small businesses, we’ve gathered some of our favourite gift ideas from local producers, makers and businesses to help you shop local and make a real difference to some brilliant local businesses this Christmas. 

Raise a glass

We might be biased, but we think vineyards in the South Downs are home to some of the best sparkling wine in the world. If you’re looking to stock up for Christmas (or, give a very generous gift), then Nyetimber , Raimes and Tinwood are our go-to local producers. 

If spirits are more your thing, then we love Chilgrove gin. Distilled using our South Downs Water, Chilgrove spirits are the epitome of sourcing locally. Their gin and vodka ranges can also be combined with South Downs Sparkling water for some fun cocktail creations. 

Christmas treats

It’s not Christmas without chocolate – and our friends at Noble and Stace have pulled out all the stops for their handcrafted Christmas ranges. Fun fact: their mineral water dairy free vegan truffles are made with our water! 

Cowdray Farm Shop in Midhurst is a must-visit for sourcing some perfect for fresh local produce, for yummy stocking fillers, small gifts to spread some Christmas cheer. Or, if you’re like us, just to fill your own cupboards. 

In addition to brilliant holiday cottages and a spectacular wedding venue and café, our friends at Sullington Manor Farm near Pulborough have launched their Christmas gift selection. Why not head over and sample some delicious takeaway goodies whilst browsing their beautiful gifts.

Baby, it’s cold outside

Whilst we had to say a temporary goodbye over Lockdown, why not support some of our fantastic local hospitality venues by gifting a cosy, warm spa break or dining experience?

Sussex is home to some of the UK’s top spas – our favourites include Historic Sussex Hotel Group’s Ockenden Manor, The Spa at South Lodge,  Park House Hotel and Spa and The Spa at Pennyhill Park.

We’re equally lucky to have some incredible restaurants on our doorstep. If you’re after a real treat, we love Restaurant Interlude, Etch in Hove, The Salt Room in Brighton and MasterChef Champ Kenny Tutt’s Pitch restaurant, based in Worthing, which is a SDW team favourite. 

The Goodwood Estate, home to The Kennels, and Farmer, Butcher, Chef is well worth a visit – or why not book a tour and afternoon tea at the iconic Goodwood House. 

Fill the freezer

With the long, dark winter nights closing in, we’re all about stocking our freezers with some delicious home made cooking – without any of the faff! Our friends at Gourmade offer a home delivery service for their range of home made meals which includes lots of classics and fantastic vegan and dessert ranges. They add absolutely no preservatives or nasty chemicals because, like us, they don’t need to. 

Make Christmas sparkle

We’re still delivering to businesses, homes and open offices throughout Lockdown and December. Make sure you’ve stocked up on plenty of South Downs Water still and sparkling to keep you hydrated throughout the festive season. 

To order, give the office team an email on office@southdownswater.co.uk or call 01243 376 156. 

You can also find South Downs Water stocked with Majestic Wines, Tolchards and Love For Local.