Discover the ‘Seven Good Things of Sussex’
Sussex is a county steeped in history, with traditions that stretch from medieval villages to windswept coastlines. Among its proudest cultural treasures is the rhyme celebrating the Seven Good Things of Sussex – a charming list of local delicacies once found in abundance across the region.
From Rye in East Sussex to Arundel in West Sussex, these “good things” showcase the county’s close connection to its rivers, coastline, and fertile land. If you’re a seafood lover, six of the seven will set your mouth watering. (The seventh – the Bourne wheatear – is a bird that’s thankfully no longer on the menu!).
Today, this poetic celebration of local produce continues to capture imaginations and tantalise taste buds across Britain. Welcome to the delicious world of Sussex’s “Seven Good Things.”
The Traditional Rhyme
Of a score of good things found outside heaven
The land of Sussex was granted seven…
The rhyme continues by naming each speciality: Pulborough eel, Selsey cockle, Chichester lobster, Rye herring, Arundel mullet, Amberley trout and Bourne wheatear. This traditional verse maps out a gastronomic treasure trail. The rhyme itself reads like a love letter to local Sussex seafood.
The Seven Good Things of Sussex
Of a score of good things found outside heaven
The land of Sussex was granted seven
The choicest of those I often feel
Is the oily, glutinous Pulborough eel
Though the Selsea cockle would be the best
The Chichester lobster’s the lordliest dish
The herring of Rye is the tastiest dish
The mullet of Arundel would have my vote
If I could but forget the Amberley trout
The wheatear of Bourne whenever it’s about.
The oily, glutinous Pulborough eel
Caught in the rivers around Pulborough, these oily, rich eels were once considered a delicacy. Eel dishes – from pies to jellied eel – once prized for its rich, oily flesh, were popular across the South East, especially in London’s East End.
The name comes from the eels being caught in Pulborough, today a popular freshwater fishing spot in Sussex.
Today, eel remains a rare treat for adventurous diners seeking authentic British flavours.
Selsea Cockles
Nothing says British seaside quite like a pot of fresh cockles doused in malt vinegar. Selsey’s cockles remain as popular today as they were centuries ago – and for good reason. These plump, briny molluscs capture the essence of the Sussex coast in every bite. Local fishmongers still hand-pick them daily, ensuring that this tradition lives on for modern food lovers.
Selsea Cockles are delicious and should be eaten fresh with vinegar. They are still widely available. You can also order Selsey Lobster, Cockles and Crab online.
Where to buy: Support local Sussex fishermen by ordering hand-picked Selsey cockles, crab, and shell-on prawns directly from coastal suppliers.
Buy Local
Buy hand-picked Selsey crab and half a lobster along with cockles and shell-on prawns.
Selsey Lobster, Cockles and Crab
Chichester lobster’s the lordliest dish
Referred to as “the lordliest dish” in the rhyme, Chichester lobster was once the pride of the harbour. Whilst the town may no longer be the lobster capital it once was, today, many restaurants in and around Chichester highlight locally caught lobster on their menus – a luxurious reminder of Sussex’s seafood heritage.
Rye Herring
When you think of herring, Scandinavia may spring to mind, but Rye has its own tradition of herring fishing. September marks the season for fresh Rye herring, and in the past, it was a vital staple for coastal communities. Pickled, smoked, or grilled, it remains a dish with history.
Arundel Mullet
No, not the hairstyle! The River Arun is famous for mullet, a fish that was once one of the region’s most popular dishes.
Arundel Mullet, once one of the most popular fish dishes in West Sussex.
Local lore even jokes that babies born in Arundel are nicknamed ‘Mullets’. It’s a quirky piece of Sussex identity tied to the river that winds past Arundel Castle.
Watch the video of Ade Edmunson making Arundel Trout.
Don’t forget the Amberly Trout
The crystal-clear waters of the River Arun, flowing through picturesque Amberley, produce some of Britain’s finest trout.
Whether grilled fresh or smoked, Amberley trout continues to delight food lovers – a “good thing” that lives on in modern form.
Today, Chalk Springs continues this tradition, farming premium rainbow and brown trout using sustainable methods.
Chalk Springs fishing high quality Rainbow and Brown Trout, or you can order it online
The Wheatear
The wheatear, a small songbird once considered a delicacy and is not eaten today!. It is now an endangered species. Its inclusion in the rhyme serves as a poignant reminder of how our relationship with food and nature has evolved.
Celebrating Sussex Today
Every 16th June, Sussex Day provides the perfect excuse to explore these traditional flavours. Whether you’re tucking into fresh Selsey cockles at a beachside café or treating yourself to locally caught trout in a country pub, you’re participating in centuries of Sussex tradition.
There are more than Seven good things in Sussex
Sussex has far more than seven good things to offer. From artisan producers to innovative chefs reimagining historic recipes, the county continues to champion British-made excellence. Why not plan your own Sussex food trail and discover what makes this corner of Britain so special?
