Jempson’s is a rarity in a world of supermarket homogeneity. An independent supermarket.
The business started as a bakery in 1935, at Peasmarsh, just outside Rye, in East Sussex and the flagship supermarket remains in Peasmarsh, with a great selection of bread, baked on the premises. In the past, there have been bakery classes.
Although Jempson’s is a little more expensive than say. Sainsbury’s, it has quality food. Superb wild boar sausages made on site, and lots of local produce, as well as Breton onions, which aren’t stocked by other supermarkets.
Photos by Théroigne S B G Russell
Jempson’s takes pride in carrying local produce from East Sussex and Kent and the website and supermarket often celebrate a Local Hero. It’s nice to see farmers and producers celebrated like that.
Pictured above, are locally caught rascasse , more prosaically known as gurnard, in England. These are essential, for any self-respecting soupe de poissons.
Jempson’s has geld chef masterclasses in the Peasmarsh store and James Martin will be cooking in December, coronavirus pandemic permitting.
The Peasmarsh store is the biggest one, but there is another smaller supermarket, in Rye, opposite the train station. Jempson’s has expanded to include convenience stores at Battle, Northiam and Wadhurst.
The scones above, can be tried in the Rye café and at others in Bexhill-on-Sea, Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea. Two more, branded The Rye Bakery, are situated in Hawkhurst (Kent) and Ore.
Information on opening hours, home delivery, post offices, pharmacy and petrol station, can be found on the website, as well as a layout for each store.
If you are looking for gifts, you may find jute bags, jams and mustards.