For picnics, takeaways and spreads prepared in your Camber Holidays’ Cottage property, Camber, Winchelsea and Dungeness are home to a cornucopia of fresh, local, regularly award-winning – and utterly delicious produce, from Rye Bay scallops to succulent Romney Marsh lamb via truckles of mouth-watering cheeses and world-class wines. This fertile area is not known as the “garden of England” for nothing. Plus, given our coastal roots we have the very best local fish.
Sharing this incredible produce over leisurely beach picnics, lazy breakfasts in bed, feasts cooked in your Camber Holidays Cottages’ kitchen or sizzling over a BBQ in the garden will give you the memories of a lifetime. Time plus friends and family plus great food – is there anything better?
We recommend that you arrange an online delivery to meet your arrival (all the big supermarkets deliver) but leave enough off to indulge in some of our local delicacies – one thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry here.
Our local and friendly Salts Farm Shop is open every day, selling illy coffee takeaways, local meat and vegetables and other deli finds. For those who can’t be bothered to get out the pans, they have a great selection of ‘Cook’ meals in the freezer.
Seasonally opening (keep an eye on their Instagram for timings) Camber Landing on Lydd Road is a joyous laid-back spot for great coffee, fresh pastries, and a cool vibe. Best of all, they brew their own local beer. Brainchild of American owner Andrew Dumas, Camber Beer brings a slice of beachy Montauk cool. Their three craft beach beers, Camber Tide Lager, Camber Summer Ale and Camber Windswept IPA, which has a touch of caramel notes and toasted malt, are the perfect accompaniment to an epic Camber Sands sunset.
If you fancy a (very) fancy fuss-free picnic, The Gallivant make superlative beach takeouts to order called the Camberfornia Picnic Hamper. They’re available for non-guests between 1pm and 4pm and include local cheese and charcuterie, beetroot hummus and Rye toast, Caesar salad with anchovy and wedges of Twineham Grange, plus half pint prawns with marie rose sauce. With the option of burnt Basque cheesecake with poached rhubarb for afters. Yum. For a liquid lunch, they also have an excellent Drinks in the Dunes takeaway menu.
Camber Holiday Cottages’ favourite Saheb’s Indian Takeaway is based in the charming, leafy English countryside village of Northiam. While it’s a good 15-minute drive from Camber, it is absolutely worth it. Northiam itself, ticks off rather a lot to do for a small village including the 15th century Edward Lutyens restored Great Dixter House and Gardens, National Trust favourite Bodiam Castle and the Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway, so factor in a bit of extra time before you collect your takeaway. If you’re looking for something a little closer to Camber, the Mahdi Spice in Rye is a good shout if you’re feeling lazy.
Over in Winchelsea, award-winning butcher and Rick Stein hero Jamie Wickens can be found behind the meat counter at The Ship at Winchelsea Beach. A local character offering superb local meat and deli goodies in The Ship’s Store.
Try the Romney Marsh Lamb or local beef from Winchelsea, in summer he prepares fabulous BBQ packs. The family-friendly Winchelsea Beach Café on Pett Level Road has an extensive menu of takeaway choices to enjoy on the quiet shingly stretches of Winchelsea Beach.
Near Camber Holiday Cottages’ Cliff End Fort, you’ll find the lovely Eaters at Pett Level Cafe, for beachside takeaways, think sausage rolls with flaky pastry, freshly made wraps and even dog friendly ice-cream by Taywell’s.
You can’t come to Camber and leave without a visit to the Dungeness Fish Hut, it’s a Camber Holiday Cottages favourite and sells the freshest seasonal local catch, straight from their boats – from Dover sole, brill and crab to lobster, scallops, skate, and plaice, it’s a well-worthy drive.
On the way, pick up a fresh baguette and some local butter and take it all to the beach – heaven. The fish shop is usually open Tuesday – Sunday 9-5pm and the Snack Shack, Wednesday – Sunday 11-3:30pm, but keep an eye on their Instagram to check opening times for your visit due to weather changes.
