Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, BN26 5TU
Harden's survey result
Summary
Overlooking the vines and South Downs from the first floor of Mark & Sarah Driver’s winery, this vineyard restaurant has a “beautiful setting” with “great views” of the fields supplying the “interesting wines from the estate”. Chef Chris Bailey serves a lunchtime selection of interesting small plates, with a small selection of larger dishes. Evenings are often in collaboration with top chefs from London.
Summary
Opened in 2018, the same year owners Mark & Sarah Driver launched the first vintages of their English sparkling wines, this seasonal dining room has a “stunning location” overlooking the vineyards and South Downs. Chef Chris Bailey’s two- or three-course lunches and tasting menu dinners are strong on local ingredients, with “superb wines” from the estate a given. Those who took advantage of their al-fresco summer dinner parties, ‘Dine in the Vines’, found the “food and wine delightful and the company good”; the grounds also host the more casual Flint Barn dining room and wine bar The Hut at Rathfinny.
Summary
Panoramic views of the vineyards and South Downs accompany a trip to this seasonal dining room (which is closed in October during the wine harvest). Some reports are of outstanding cuisine from chef Chris Bailey, although there is the odd concern about some “huge mark-ups” on certain items. You can always opt for the “really relaxed” Flint Barn dining room also on the estate (“keenly priced, lovely posh grub with a large choice of wines to wash it all down”). There is also The Hut at Rathfinny – a wine bar with week-round opening.
Summary
Lush local wines are not the only attraction at this vineyard restaurant (also with accommodation), which enjoys gorgeous views of the vines and South Downs. There are weekly changing seasonal tasting menus, or “take the incredible picnic amongst the vineyards on a summer's afternoon… bliss!”
For 34 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 The Tasting Room, Rathfinny Wine Estate?
Owner's description
Set in the Winery with panoramic views across the Rathfinny Vineyard, The Tasting Room restaurant is where contemporary English winemaking meets the timeless beauty of the Sussex landscape.
A seasonal à la carte menu designed by Executive Chef Chris Bailey offers a relaxed and elegant dining experience, with freshly prepared dishes served alongside exceptional Rathfinny Sussex Sparkling wines.
Inspired by the Vineyard's location — where coast meets countryside — and shaped by the rhythm of the seasons, the menu features the finest British culinary bounty, with a focus on sustainably sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Reservations are advised but walk-in visitors are also welcome, subject to availability. For the latest opening time, please visit the Rathfinny website.
Restaurant details
The chef
Chris, trained at Westminster College, has worked in some of the top restaurants in London and Spain which culminated in being awarded a Michelin Star at The Black Rat in Winchester. Inspired by all things seasonal and local to Sussex, Chef Chris Bailey joined the Rathfinny team in April as head chef in the Tasting Room.
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, BN26 5TU
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 10 am‑6 pm |
| Friday | 10 am‑6 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑6 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am‑6 pm |
