Grape & Grain

The Thresher’s group dissolved a while back and the Haywards Heath branch was left vacant for a few months. Thankfully, one persons misfortune is anothers gain. In this case, the residents of Haywards Heath are the benefactors.
Grape and Grain took over the premises and offer aslightly different take on the off licence. With a well stocked deli (stocking some amazing local cheeses and pâté) and a selection of chilli sauces, chutneys and other tasty bites you get more than cans of Stella or Special Brew.
The ale selection at the Grape is likewise impressive with a range of local and quirky bottles that you just don’t find in the chain offies. Most will have a discount on buying in three’s and my biggest challenge is having to limit my purchasing to 3 bottles!
I haven’t purchased much wine from here, but the selection is once more of a high calibre, focusing on the wine buff rather than the bargain basement bottles.
The shop also hold regular tasting sessions on the weekend and I passed an enjoyable few hours sampling the offerings of the Fallen Angel Brewery. The Grape’s staff are really friendly and always up for a chat. It’s the kind of shop where you end up on first name basis and can easily become one of the locals.
All your other expected supplies from tobacco, mixers and such like are on sale and they will also wrap your purchases into gift packs if you want to give an alternative present to a friend.
All in all, this is what a food and drink shop should be and you can tell that it is run by lovers of the finer things. Extreme top marks for the Grape and Grain!