Hurstpierpoint bakery kneads together community connection and sustainability
Based on Hurstpierpoint High Street, Iris Bakery opened one and a half years ago and quickly became one of the most beloved spots in the village.
Founded by Lizzie, 31, the business is centred around sustainability, with all bakery items being made in house from raw, locally sourced ingredients.
The owner previously spent six years in Brussels working in communications for EU institutions before deciding to leave burn-out behind and turn her passion for baking into a full-time business.
She said: “I basically had this realisation that I didn't want to wait years and years and years and I wanted to do it straight away so I decided that I was going to move back to the UK and kind of get started on that essentially.”
She now handcrafts an array of fresh bakes whilst working directly with local farmers and suppliers to adapt to harvest challenges collaboratively.
“I’m really passionate about giving traceability to our products”, said Lizzie. “So we have a big list of our suppliers like front and centre when you come into the bakery.
“I always love talking about the other food businesses we work with because I think it's just so important to work with people that are doing good things for the environment and sustainability and producing things from a really high standard from the farm all the way to the consumer.”
Her passion for baking coincides with her fascination with using diverse grain and wheat varieties, hoping to educate customers on their environmental benefits.
The owner spoke on this years harvest , as West Sussex famers experienced the worst in 50 years due to extreme weather and financial strain.
She said: “I'm trying to as much as possible work with people who have that direct relationship, so that we can kind of work together rather than like making things more difficult for the farmers.”
Lizzie mixes and shapes sourdough the day prior, ensuring that the items are perfectly proved before they sell.
Despite only opening in May 2025, the business quickly formed close relationships in the village becoming a community staple.
“It’s been great to watch her grow, especially over the last few weeks”, a neighbour to the business explained. “People come in all the time, especially regulars, it’s a very nice addition to the village”.
Iris Bakery is located at 126C High Street, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks BN6 9PX and is open Thursday- Saturday from 8.30am to 2pm for freshly handcrafted produce including sourdough, pastries and sweet treats.
For more information visit: irisbakery.co.uk.