Fresh Flavours from Field and Forrest
Fresh Flavours for Lindfield as new delicatessen 'Field & Forrest' opens its doors...
Three months ago, Lindfield in West Sussex was bereft of a top-class food establishment. As such, the opening of Field and Forrest Delicatessen in June 2011 was eagerly anticipated and now, three months on, the delicatessen continues to provide high-class food products to a discerning clientele.
Proprietor Neil Tofield has a clear vision: -
My aim is for Field & Forrest to be a culinary delight from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you're looking for a selection of cheeses for a special occasion, searching for the perfect chutney to put in your sandwich or want to spoil yourself or your loved ones with a sweet treat - Field & Forrest will cater for your needs.
Haywards Heath local, Neil Tofield, turned his back on a career in the City to bring his knowledge, expertise and passion for food to Lindfield. Neil has exacting standards and takes his inspiration from some of the world's greatest delis and bakeries such as Dean and Deluca and City Bakery in New York and Ottolenghi and Hummingbird in London.
Over the past three months Neil has been refining the product base at the shop and has carried out extensive taste testing amongst a panel of people, ranging from the young and old - whilst including those with food intolerances, such as wheat and dairy.
Neil recognises that many of us have to be careful about what ingredients we eat but doesn't think that should stand in the way of great food. His mouthwatering coconut and lime cake, is so moist and delicious that it's hard to believe it's also gluten free!
Indeed, based on customer requests, a larger range of gluten, dairy and virtually fat-free cupcakes - which contain finely grated vegetables and less than 200 calories - has recently been introduced to wide acclaim. With flavours that include raspberry and elderflower, as well as lemon and courgette and St Clements - most importantly - they taste delicious too!
There's also an exquisite range of cheeses (cut to order from the wheel), hams, charcuterie, smoked meat, fish, pates, pasta, jams and pickles and much more...
Every day promises new delights and no two days are the same, with locally-sourced produce at the heart of the range, as well as a daily-changing quiches, cupcakes, pork pies, sausage rolls, croissants and bread, all baked on the premises each morning.
As far as coffee and tea are concerned, only the best will do, with a wonderful selection of loose-leaf teas, which have been blended uniquely for Field and Forrest, and coffee which is roasted in the village and available in take-away drinks too.
Customers are welcome to pop in for advice on menu planning or on how to create a really special cheeseboard and Field and Forrest will also provide canapés, quiches and cakes to order and a whole host of gift ideas.
But it doesn't end there
Field and Forrest also offer regular sampling sessions, such as cheese and wine and even tea tasting. And you'll also find food-related gifts and a hamper service too for those special occasions or events, including a novel "Breakfast in a Basket".
Asked about his choice of location Neil says,
Lindfield was my ideal choice. It is a shining example of how small village businesses can still thrive, offering something the mega-stores simply can't. People are looking for quality, service and inspiration. Field & Forrest is all about bringing customers new ideas, using only the best ingredients from the best suppliers currently in the market.I see Field & Forrest working very much in tandem with the other Lindfield businesses providing a complementary offering and enhancing the shopping experience for locals and visitors alike.
His philosophy is simple: knowledgeable staff, a warm and welcoming environment and exceptional quality food.
Many would say that Lindfield has been long overdue its own delicatessen again.
Rest assured, Field & Forrest has been worth the wait and is now a focal point of the village.
www.fieldandforrest.com