Brighton Sausage Co celebrates 20 years of quality food and service in the North Laine

From small beginnings to local success

Brighton Sausage Co is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates two decades in business. Founded in 2006 by friends Paul Gilks and David Barr, who were just 29 and 19 at the time, the sausage shop has become a beloved fixture of the North Laine and a respected name in Sussex's food industry.

The pair started with modest resources — £5,000 of their own money and a £15,000 bank loan — to launch their dream of creating a "no nonsense food shop" at 28a Gloucester Road. Their vision was straightforward: offer quality food at affordable prices with genuine, old-fashioned personal service.

"We ran the shop during the day and then made sausages in the basement in the evening. We grafted hard and we made it work," the business reflected in their anniversary post.

Growing stronger through challenging times

What began as a hands-on operation has evolved into a significant local employer and supplier. The business established a wholesale arm, which led to opening a small factory before expanding to a larger production unit in Lancing. Today, the company produces sausages, bacon, burgers, sausage rolls, and vegan alternatives that supply restaurants, pubs, hotels and cafes throughout the region.

The quality of their products has been recognised through awards over the years, with their Cumberland sausage reaching the national Champion of Champions final.

A community hub with character

The Brighton shop remains open seven days a week and has become known for much more than sausages. Alongside their own produce, the shop stocks over 70 cheeses, plus salami, bread, biltong, olives, pickles and sauces, earning it equal recognition as a destination cheese shop.

Reflecting on 20 years in business, the team acknowledged the resilience required to thrive. "We've survived recession, credit crunches, pandemic and lockdowns. We've laughed, cried, worried, and served the good people of Brighton through it all," they said.

Despite the challenges of two decades in retail and food production, the business has maintained its original passion. "Older, possibly wiser but still with the passion we started with to produce the best sausages, bacon and sausage rolls we can and sell it all with a smile on our face," is how they summed up their journey.

The company took time to thank their loyal customers, wholesale clients and staff — both past and present — saying the milestone wouldn't have been possible without their support. "And it certainly wouldn't have been as much fun," they added.

As Brighton Sausage Co enters its third decade, the story of two young friends who believed in quality, hard work and community service serves as an inspiring reminder of what's possible when passion meets perseverance.

Source: 'We made it work' - award-winning sausage shop celebrates 20 years in business