When my wife and I pulled up to Gravetye Manor behind an Aston Martin DBS, I half expected the porter to ask if we were lost…
This 16th-century Elizabethan manor house turned luxury country hotel oozes class and exclusivity, and the Michelin starred restaurant may well be the most beautiful room I’ve ever dined in.
Floor to ceiling glass offers diners gorgeous views of the tranquil flower garden, which added to the calming ambience in the room as the sun set.
Dinner is pitched as three courses for £130 but there are canapés, breads and intermediate courses that make the experience much more akin to a seven course tasting menu.
Many of the dishes were truly exquisite and most of the produce comes from the hugely impressive walled kitchen garden, which you’re very welcome to explore.
Served with the excellent bread course, the understated Tomato Tea infused with kitchen garden herbs was a real surprise, delivering a delicious burst of fresh tomato flavour.
Barbequed Orkney Scallop in a vibrant green fennel and lovage sauce, with Beal’s Farm ham, topped with a generous scoop of Imperial caviar was a knockout, with so many layers of flavour, all perfectly balanced.
Incredibly tender, flavoursome Dry Aged Sussex Beef Fillet cooked over coals, with tempura spring onion, alliums, spinach, wild garlic emulsion, smoky grilled beans and an epic beef jus was flawless in every respect. No notes.
Service was impeccable and helped make this one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to return, and I might even hire an Aston Martin DBS for the full experience.
The inspiring, world-renowned wild gardens created by pioneering gardener William Robinson in 1885 are set over 35 acres of lush Sussex countryside and considered one of the most important historic gardens in England, and a wander around the flower garden, lake, orchard and meadows is guaranteed to chill you the F out.
Our secluded Exclusive Deluxe room was seriously spacious, incredibly comfortable and featured a garden view, array of books and magazines, well stocked fridge, premium teas and coffee, and more.
Gravetye Manor is a real gem.
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