Harden's survey result
Summary
“A romantic and beautiful ruined medieval castle” – dating from the era when bishops required a fortified residence – makes a “stunning location” for a Brownsword hotel. The food served in the first-floor dining room, under a 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling, is generally felt to be “pretty good”, although it (and the service) is “not quite up to a level that matches the setting”. “Afternoon tea served on tiered cake stands in the gardens (complete with a noisy white peacock named Bob)” is a very safe bet.
Summary
“A romantic and beautiful ruined medieval castle” – dating from the era when bishops required a fortified residence – makes a “stunning location” for a Brownsword hotel. The food served in the first-floor dining room, under a 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling, is generally felt to be “pretty good”, although it (and the service) is “not quite up to a level that matches the setting”. “Afternoon tea served on tiered cake stands in the gardens (complete with a noisy white peacock named Bob)” is a very safe bet.
Summary
“How wonderful to dine in the medieval hall of a castle” (nowadays a Brownsword hotel) – complete with a 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling (and working portcullis). It almost seems churlish to point out that the restaurant is “expensive and a bit average”, but most reporters feel that it’s “worth it” for the “fantastic setting”.
Summary
“It’s so romantic” eating in this historic venue, complete with peacocks, ruined ramparts and working portcullis! Inevitably it’s not the best option for a cheap date and opinions are mixed as to the value it delivers – for critics the cuisine is “not special enough” and the dining room “lacks ambience despite its evident history”, but more typical is a reviewer who feels “it’s a bit overpriced” but still finds it “a lovely experience”.
For 31 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 Amberley Castle?
Owner's description
Amberley Castle has a long held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.
Enjoyed in either the magnificent Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire or The Great Room, built in 1165 by Bishop Luffa of Chichester, a fine example of Norman architecture with its high lancet windows, open fireplace, oak flooring, tapestry and suits of armour.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £80.00 |  |
|
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| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Amberley, BN18 9LT
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
