BUDGENS
The Tobitt family, starting with Samuel, had shops in various premises in Henfield from 1856 to 1953. They had a draper's and grocery business on the site of the present-day Budgens, plus businesses of one sort or another in Elm Lodge next door, and in Brick House. In 1953, the main shop was bought by the Rickard family, who converted the upstairs floor into a coffee lounge with lots of plants and a Gaggia coffee machine - quite stylish at the time. After the Rickards sold it, there was a succession of owners, after which it became a rather run-down supermarket in the 1970s.
Budgens started life in premises currently occupied by One-Stop. When the Tobitt supermarket was finally sold, the old buildings were demolished and the modern Budgens - echoing the old buildings in shape - was built.
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Budgens 1: The supermarket as it looks from across the High Street.
Budgens 2 & 3: The entrance to the supermarket at different periods.
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Tobitts: A photo in black & white which seems to have been taken from the balcony of the old Assembly Rooms. Elm Lodge is on Tobitt's right-hand side, followed by the SCATS agricultural shop, now Henfield Furnishings. Probably late 1950s.
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Budgens: A photo of the front entrance taken in early August 2018.
Budgens started life in premises currently occupied by One-Stop. When the Tobitt supermarket was finally sold, the old buildings were demolished and the modern Budgens - echoing the old buildings in shape - was built.
SHOPS 4
Budgens 1: The supermarket as it looks from across the High Street.
Budgens 2 & 3: The entrance to the supermarket at different periods.
SHOPS 12
Tobitts: A photo in black & white which seems to have been taken from the balcony of the old Assembly Rooms. Elm Lodge is on Tobitt's right-hand side, followed by the SCATS agricultural shop, now Henfield Furnishings. Probably late 1950s.
SHOPS 26
Budgens: A photo of the front entrance taken in early August 2018.
