Harden's survey result
Summary
“Truly beautiful and with superb food” – “the gracious room with stunning gardens beyond (including a unique walled kitchen garden) help make for a very special experience” at this “fabulous location” – an Elizabethan country house deep in the Sussex countryside (whose grounds were laid out in the 1880s by its then-owner, a famous landscape gardener). A hotel since 1958, it was relaunched in 2018 with a new “brilliantly architecturally conceived modern dining room” – a “light and airy space” whose “gorgeous views” mean “you actually feel it’s part of the outside”. And – having largely sunk from view in terms of gastronomy – nowadays its “quietly impressive” performance under chef George Blogg is establishing itself as one of the top 10 most commented-on destinations outside the capital in our annual diners’ poll. He “has significantly upped the kitchen’s game, with a three-course menu, perfectly prepared and exquisitely presented, incorporating wonderfully fresh herbs and vegetables” backed up by a heavyweight wine list. Top Tip – stay the night and “breakfast is every bit as good as dinner!”
Summary
“A garden tour before summer lunch is just the most uplifting experience” at this “beautiful Elizabethan country house in the Sussex countryside” (whose grounds were laid out in the 1880s by its then-owner, a famous landscape gardener). Three years ago, a modernisation saw the opening of a new “airy, conservatory-style dining room” with “a picture window showing the garden to full effect”: “a fantastic masterpiece where you feel as though you are within the beautiful gardens”. It was a successful relaunch that has established the dining room as one of the most commented-on in our annual diners’ poll. Elsewhere within the property, the scene is of “old-school lounges to relax in and classic hotel accommodation”. Chef George Blogg’s cuisine is “classical” in style, with “consistently delicious” flavours and “exceptional attention to detail in terms of presentation”.
Summary
“They are on a confident and assured roll since their fabulous new eating space opened” at this Elizabethan country-house hotel. Set in beautiful countryside an hour from London, the property has long been prized for its “stunning gardens”, which were created in the 1880s by one of the UK’s most famous landscape gardeners (who then owned the house). A couple of years ago, as part of a modernisation, a new glass-walled dining room looking onto the greenery was launched to capitalise on its situation, since which it’s emerged as one of the most commented-on destinations in our survey. Diners feel “the whole experience is incredible from the moment you walk through the door, with food to match”. “You are treated especially well” and “chef George Blogg’s food is seasonal, detailed and delicious”.
Summary
“George Blogg’s plot-to-plate food is just superb” at this famous Elizabethan manor, where a major investment in a new “stunning glass-fronted dining room” provides “both warmth and class” and is emblematic of its reemergence as a seriously good dining destination. “Set amidst a stunning, natural garden” – created in the 1880s and of significant importance if you’re into horticultural history – “lovely leafy walks are thrown in”. It’s is very much not a cheap experience, but the equation stacks up for most (if not quite all) reporters: “it broke the bank… but we’ll be back!”
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Gravetye Manor?
Vowels Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4LJ
Restaurant details
Gravetye Manor Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Took a friend here for their spring lunch tasting menu as a birthday treat and also to give us the chance to look round the gardens. We were impressed by the trouble they took to accommodate her dietary issues and thoroughly enjoyed all the various courses. I particularly liked the langoustine tartare."
"The food is exceptional, both in presentation and flavour. Service is professional, but our first two choices of red wine were sold out - why not update the wine list! Ask for a window table"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £78.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £128.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 12.50% |
Vowels Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4LJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
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