Gravetye Manor Hotel

Set in over 1,000-acres of tranquil Sussex countryside, just 30 minutes from London, Gravetye Manor was built in the 1590s and retains much of its original splendour. With some of England’s most important historic gardens surrounding the sumptuous Tudor country house hotel, the property boasts all the period details you could wish for, from the mullioned windows to the plasterwork ceilings and panelled walls. The stunning dining room is rather more modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the beautiful gardens and create a wonderful setting for the dynamic, contemporary British cooking that makes the most of the produce from the huge kitchen gardens. The daily-changing set menus (three courses at lunch and dinner) are seasonal, and dishes are pretty as a picture, as well as offering exceptional levels of skill and depths of flavour. Dishes are complex without being fussy or convoluted, be assured this is some of the best food in the country. Begin with Cornish crab, kohlrabi and perilla, or perhaps a precisely timed scallop with rhubarb, green strawberry and alliums. Lamb, sweetbread, turnip and leek is a fabulous main offering clear, deep flavours and great balance. For fish lovers, an immaculate piece of super fresh turbot is paired with sprouting brassicas and almond. An optional board of local artisan cheeses with all the right accompaniments is the bridge between savoury dishes and desserts. A top class gooseberry crumble soufflé, risen to perfection, is light as air and comes with deeply flavoured tonka bean ice cream. Or maybe finish with a dish of strawberries, wood sorrel and Nyetimber rosé. As you might expect, everything from the home-made bread to exquisite canapés is exceptional, demonstrating the same high levels of creativity in a highly talented kitchen. The award-winning wine list is noteworthy.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

4 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

AA Notable Wine List