The Forge

Slindon Forge Village Shop and Café

We are proud to have a shop and café in Slindon, which opened as a result of community effort and co-operation.  Like many villages, we lost vital services in recent years – Post Office, shop and one of our pubs.  The loss was not just practical – it meant a loss of social contacts as well.  The Forge project gave us a wonderful opportunity to reverse this and provide vital services to ensure our village remains the vibrant community we all enjoy.  Not only that, it also gives an important new lease of life and public access to an historically important village building.

The Forge opened in October 2012.  Formerly the village blacksmith’s, the shop stocks a wide range of  items – it’s a cross between a convenience store with everyday essentials, a farm shop with lots of fresh produce, and a deli – all with an emphasis on local produce wherever possible, including some of our own unique products.  You’ll find everything from aspirin to apples, firelighters to fish fingers, and wine to washing up liquid.  The café is licensed, serves delicious coffee, light meals and cakes – much of it home-made or sourced from local suppliers.  We have free and fast wi-fi too.

In fine weather you can sit outside and enjoy the views across the fields to the woods, and there are many great walks into Slindon Woods and on to the Downs, right on the doorstep.  We also have an information point with lots of details of local attractions, maps and books about the South Downs, as well as an interactive touch-screen information facility, installed by the National Trust.

The Forge is run by a tenant, with his enthusiastic team led by Jake slindonshop@gmail.com 01243 814324. The Forge has proved a huge boon to the village and is growing in popularity with customers from beyond. It is open seven days a week.

Do take a look at The Forge website: www.slindonforge.com for updated information and news, find us on FaceBook (SlindonForge)