A tasty new creative and community event space launches in Worthing
- Nick Mosley
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Slake Spirits, an independent artisan distillery based in Worthing, will be revealing ‘Upper Central’ – a vibrant new community space – at a launch event featuring live street art, Sussex food and family activities on Saturday 28 June, writes Nick Mosley.
This free entry event located in Chandlers Yard on Upper High Street, Worthing, is open to locals and visitors alike and will be the first of an on-going monthly programme of engaging events.
Dr. Thomas Martin-Wells is Slake's founder and self-professed ‘head dragon, distiller and forager’ and mastermind behind the initiative that is quite literally in the distillery’s back yard.
“We put so much energy into quietly gathering and growing ingredients locally, we thought it was long overdue get producers, artists and our wider community together to grow ideas that put the best of Sussex at the fore”, said Thomas.
Upper Central extends Thomas’ passion for crafting uniquely ‘Sussex’ spirits alongside building a creative community space that celebrates nature through local food, drink and art.
“Our goal is to foster wild-inspired guardians of the future by honouring Sussex culture and heritage”.
To mark this exciting new chapter for Chandlers Yard, a powerhouse collective of Sussex’s top street artists will be live painting a mural on the distillery’s wall, including Brighton’s Nancy Taylor, Tom Norris, Ruby Taylor, and Worthing local John Gillespie. The community is invited to grab a brush and be part of this unique creation.
The landmark street art piece will delve into Sussex’s Knucker dragon folklore; reimagining ancient tales about the benevolent mystical guardians of Sussex’s vital chalk aquifer water.
Upper Central’s launch runs from 11am - 9pm on Saturday 28 June and also promises live music from local performers and DJs, wild inspired cocktails and mocktails from Slake Spirits, alongside local beers from The Toad and Hand Brew Co.
Sip on hand-blended teas and coffees from Whimsey Brews, savour smoked BBQ flavours from Ditch Brisket, indulge in fresh bread and baked treats from Food By Georgia and savour delicious salads and vegan food from Tommy’s Community Kitchen – a project local to Worthing that supports neurodiverse teens to provide opportunities and free meals to those in need.
Younger visitors will also have plenty to keep themselves entertained including face painting, handcrafted gelato from Sussex Ice Cream, a family-friendly leaf printing workshop and more.
“Whether you're joining us to relax, create or simply enjoy a great day out, there’s going to be plenty to explore”, add Thomas.
Future plans for Upper Central include a community urban rain garden, wellness initiatives and regular activities for kids.
“We hope to create a space everyone can enjoy, be inspired by nature and each other and discover a deeper connection to place”, said Thomas.
I’ve always enjoyed attending local community events, so reading about the Upper Central launch in Worthing truly resonated with me. Events that bring together local food, art, and music create a vibrant atmosphere where people can genuinely connect. I especially appreciate how this event combines Sussex traditions with contemporary street art and hands-on activities for all ages. Opportunities like mural painting can inspire creativity while supporting local culture. For a fun way to unwind after a community event, I often play Block Blast to relax and keep the good vibes going.
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