Chelsea Lee is the owner of new downland pitstop, The Coffee Mill. She currently runs this with help from her mother-in-law, Fee. The Coffee Mill is located on their family farm in the field next to the Jack and Jill windmills. The Coffee Mill stems from an idea Chelsea had during lockdown. She recalls: “During the first lockdown, when we were riding our horses along the South Downs Way, we were amazed at the hum of activity in the car park and around the windmills: dog walkers, cyclists, runners, horse riders and people coming to simply admire the view were all enjoying themselves.”

As well as being well known locally, the Jack and Jill windmills are a renowned landmark in the South Downs National Park. Chelsea says, “Seeing how popular the area was for visitors gave us the idea of buying a converted horse box to sell good quality hot drinks, cakes, and ice creams! We aim to buy our products locally where we can,” says Chelsea, “and we stock Back Yard coffee beans from The Roaster in Ditchling. We also sell pots of Sussex ice cream that comes directly from Downs View Dairy. I have a five star hygiene rating. Our cakes are either homemade, or we try and source them as locally as possible!”

“We hope to see you very soon,” says Chelsea, and adds: “We love our furry friends, and welcome horses and dogs. They can even get a treat from us or a refreshing drink of water!” Currently only open during weekends, the Coffee Mill plans to add extra days in the week during the summer holidays. Follow @thecoffeemillclayton on Facebook for more details.