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 Secretts in Rudgwick, nr Horsham, is just the type of store everyone would want in their village. Part of the Secrett's farm group it’s packed with gorgeous produce from the very best suppliers and it literally has something for everyone.Fruit and veg, bursting with almost visible freshness, along with
quality meat from Loxwood butcher and game dealer, John Murray. Fresh
bread, home made cakes, a delicatessen counter stuffed with
deliciousness, rows and rows of shelves laden with preserves, sauces,
pickles and spices, pulses, pasta, seeds and snacks.
The fresh loose salad leaves have to be eaten to be believed. Grown in their own greenhouses and harvested daily, the taste is so superior next to the soggy bags of limp lettuce readily available in a supermarket near you, as to not even be comparable. Secretts specialise in these leaves, supplied to many top restaurants in London and the South East.
The usual everyday, quality food brands are all in ample evidence, Epicure, Seasoned Pioneer, Blue Dragon, Sacla and Pataks sit alongside gourmet brands like The Bay Tree, Mays and Green, Tracklements mustards, Infinity dried foods, Jethro's marinades, as well as Secretts own brand sauces and jellies.
 Secrett's Deli counter
As if that wasn't enough you can also find a good range of frozen ready meals. No Birdseye here however, in its place is Chef on Board, delicious handmade meals from Hertfordshire, nestle in the deep freeze with Rooseberry ices, individual butter croissants and home-made chocolate desserts.
Craig Ramus, who has managed the store for nearly two years, is as knowledgeable as he is amiable. Dedicated to his store, there is a genuine sense of quality customer service and friendliness. Craig acknowledges many of his customers by name and is rightly proud of his establishment. Impeccably clean and well laid out, the shop is a delight to visit and the shopping experience is relaxed and rewarding. If only all shopping could be like this. I felt genuinely jealous of the villagers of Rudgwick, having this gem on their doorstep, but sadly business, like all independents these days, is not what it might be, as even the well heeled commuter belt residents of Rudgwick, fall prey to the media hype that only discount shopping will save their futures.
 Secretts in store
The fresh loose salad leaves have to be eaten to be believed. Grown in their own greenhouses and harvested daily, the taste is so superior next to the soggy bags of limp lettuce readily available in a supermarket near you, as to not even be comparable. Secrett’s specialise in these leaves, supplied to many top restaurants in London and the South East.
The usual everyday, quality food brands are all in ample evidence, Epicure, Seasoned Pioneer, Blue Dragon, Sacla and Pataks sit alongside gourmet brands like The Bay Tree, Mays and Green, Tracklements mustards, Infinity dried foods, Jethro's marinades, as well as Secrett’s own brand sauces and jellies.
I have to confess to rushing through the cake, biscuit and chocolate aisles for fear of my New Year's resolutions being defeated by the wares, but I did linger at the Wines (no comment) and noticed plenty of the more familiar labels from Jacobs Creek to Blossom Hill, as well as a more eclectic and intriguing range of fruit wines from the Lurghshall Winery in Guildford, offering Silver Birch, Rhubarb, Elderberry, Apple and even Rose Petal Wine.
As if that wasn't enough you can also find a good range of frozen ready meals. No Birdseye here however, in its place is Chef on Board, delicious handmade meals from Hertfordshire, nestle in the deep freeze with Rooseberry ices, individual butter croissants and homemade chocolate desserts.
Craig Ramus, who has managed the store for nearly two years, is as knowledgeable as he is amiable. Dedicated to his store, there is a genuine sense of quality customer service and friendliness. Craig acknowledges many of his customers by name and is rightly proud of his establishment. Impeccably clean and well laid out, the shop is a delight to visit and the shopping experience is relaxed and rewarding. If only all shopping could be like this. I felt genuinely jealous of the villagers of Rudgwick, having this gem on their doorstep, but sadly business, like all independents these days, is not what it might be, as even the well heeled commuter belt residents of Rudgwick, fall prey to the media hype that only discount shopping will save their futures.
Actually shopping in Secrett’s doesn't have to be beyond the tighter budget. Much of the veg is grown on their own farms and with these items they can very much compete with the likes of Tesco. In store on the day of my visit carrots, red and white cabbage, loose onions, Savoy cabbage and bagged potatoes were all cheaper than Tesco, with fruit, dairy produce and free-range eggs all on a par. Of course the gourmet products aren't an everyday habit, but if you're a foody, you're already used to paying for quality and if you haven't discovered Secrets of Rudgwick and you're in the area, it is a must visit store.
Parking is tight outside the store but there is a village car park just 100 yds down the road next to the small Co- Op, and if you live locally you can even phone in your order for free delivery.
 Delivery Service available
To find out more about Secrett’s, visit the website at www.secretts.co.uk
Opening hours of Secrett’s of Rudgwick
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8.30am - 5.30pm
Wednesday 8.30am - 1.00pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm
Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm
Sunday 10.00am - 1.00pm
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