MP visits café at Sullington Manor Barn

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert called into the historic Sullington Manor Barn earlier this month to visit its new café and catch up with the owners, Gail and Grahame Kittle.

Set in the former workshop of the 16th century barn, the café and exhibition space provides a unique place to enjoy lunch.   

In 2015 Mr Herbert met the conservation team undertaking the restoration works on the historic farm buildings.  Conservation experts led 120 volunteers working with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) to restore the Grade 1 listed building and adjoining Saxon church of St Mary’s Sullington. 

The restoration project received National Lottery funding to fund the structural repair and a permanent exhibition about the history of the farmstead.  The café provides an added facility for visitors and is now operating longer summer opening hours, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until the end of September, when winter open hours will commence.    

Gail Kittle said: “It is great to bring a new lease of life to this beautiful barn and to see it so enjoyed by visitors.”

Mr Herbert said: “It was wonderful to visit Sullington Manor Barn again and to enjoy a delicious lunch in the new café.  Grahame and Gail have done a remarkable job with the ‘Saving Sullington’s Heritage’ project.  The exhibition is great for visitors wishing to learn more about the history of farming in this beautiful part of the South Downs, and I’d really recommend a visit.” 

ENDS

 Notes  

1.     Photograph – Nick Herbert with Gail and Grahame Kittle. 

2.     For more information about the Old Workshop Café and exhibition see https://www.sussexholidaycottages.biz/sussex-holiday-cottages/about-us/the-cafe-at-the-old-workshop.