By Mary Collins
Located at the centre of Haywards Heath, Hart Country Stores is far more than just a café – it’s a thoughtfully curated destination that blends artisanal retail, handcrafted food and drink, carefully chosen gifts and homewares, and a genuine sense of community spirit.
Step inside and you’re greeted by the comforting aromas of coffee and freshly baked cake, the gentle hum of conversation, and shelves lined with beautifully packaged goods that invite further exploration.
Since opening its doors in 2021 on South Road, this independently-run company has established itself as a local staple, thanks to the vision and dedication of Sussex-born siblings Daryl and Casey Ruse, their mother Sue, and Daryl’s partner Christian Harris, all of whom play vital roles in the day-to-day running of the business. Their combined talents, shared values, experience, and easy banter have created a space that feels both personal and professional.
Part café, part food shop, part boutique gift store, Hart brings something unique to the town. It offers refined, modern-rustic charm – think the warmth of a countryside farm shop with the considered touches of a private members’ club.
The 50-cover space serves freshly made breakfasts, brunches and lunches, alongside barista coffees, specialist loose-leaf teas, small-batch groceries, stylish homewares and carefully selected gifts. It’s a space designed to delight the senses while remaining accessible and down-to-earth – a balance that’s not easy to strike, but one this family team has managed with ease.
The genesis of Hart was formed during the pandemic – a time of reflection, rethinking, and for many, reinvention. For chef and co-founder Daryl it was a chance to channel his wide industry experience and long-held ambition into something tangible. “It was always a dream to create something special in catering retail. Lockdown gave us the time to really plan and research every aspect of the business. Later when we were allowed out and about, we spent hours on South Road watching people and how they moved around the town and what caught their attention. My love of coffee sparked the idea, but what we’ve built has become something much bigger.”
Excerpt from full article, published in November 2025 issue of Haywards Heath Life