Village deli proves a lifeline for Storrington amid coronavirus lockdown

The award-winning Storrington Village Deli in West Street has transformed itself from a traditional delicatessen to a service delivering staples and fresh produce to people stuck at home during lockdown.

Owner Sam Ackland-Jones, who runs the deli with partner Paul Dalglish, said: “People have been overwhelmingly lovely. They are really grateful when we deliver to them and refer to us as being ‘unsung heroes.’

“I think people feel a little trapped at the moment and when they see a nice friendly face at the door they are so pleased to see us. It’s lovely.

“Storrington has quite an elderly population and I hope we are dealing with the majority where we can.”

Sam has contacted a local butcher and greengrocer so that her deliveries can include meat and fresh veg. “We’ve also changed our stock to provide a one-stop shop feel,” she said. “We have switched from so much deli stuff into more store cupboard items like pulses, beans and pasta.”

The shop itself is now open only for collections of pre-ordered goods from 10am - 12 noon, with the rest of the time spent on deliveries.

“We’ve certainly needed to change the way we operate,” said Sam. “We’re trying to keep our High Street alive and our community going.”

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