Harden's survey result
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!”
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!”
Summary
“Perfect for a special occasion”, this Elizabethan manor has a new steel-and-glass dining room overlooking one of the country’s most important historic gardens, created by William Robinson in the 1880s. “The country house surroundings are luxurious, the service attentive, knowledgeable and efficient, and the food excellent from starter to dessert”. Chef George Blogg’s “light and balanced” meals include “delicious vegetables and fruits from arguably the best kitchen garden in England”, just out of view above the famous cottage garden. Price is an issue for one or two reporters, but the majority verdict is clearly that it’s “expensive but worth it”.
Summary
“George Blogg’s culinary touch is light, subtle and glorious” at this “beautiful old Elizabethan manor house hotel with lovely old furniture”. Without downplaying his contribution however, for many reporters “the highlight of a visit here remains the wonderful and extensive grounds” (which also contribute produce for the kitchen) – a “perfect setting” (which in the early 20th century was one of the most famous gardens in England). Stop Press: In November 2017, the hotel announced a four-month closure in early 2018 for the construction of a new restaurant, featuring a glass wall with views onto the gardens.
For 30 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?
Restaurant details
Gravetye Manor Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Stunning building, grounds and food! Arrived early so had a walk round the beautiful grounds, still, at the end of September, full of flowers and colour. Went into the snug for a drink then after a while went into the main restaurant. We were seated next to a glass wall looking out over the beautiful garden. Amuse bouche served after a short wait, contrasting flavours (one a bit too cheesy for me). Starters were stunningly presented, as were all courses. The only mildly disappointing dish was my char dish, a tiny bit short on flavour, textures wonderful though. Intermediate course was lobster and scallops interesting delicious flavours. Made a slight error with the suckling pig as not my favourite meat but my friend had the duck. I can only say the chocolate dessert was beyond words! The “sour” alcohol free cocktail was an all time favourite. Chatted to chef a while after service. What a lovely man a superb venue seriously well worth 100 mile trip Ps toilets perfect too. Very nice efficient skilled staff all round"
"We ate in the restaurant twice & there was a real contrast between the two meals. On the first night, one dish was really very disappointing and another was very average, nothing like the world-class cooking a remember from my previous visit. If that had been my only experience, I would never had returned. On the second night, when someone else ordered the disappointing dish, it looked completely different & much, much better. I wonder if there was a staffing issue? The better dishes from both nights were excellent: fresh vegetables from the restaurant’s garden prepared attractively in quite a straight-forward way with care and attention. Some of the pâtisserie was very good, too. The hotel, gardens & service are as wonderful as ever. The staff were helpful and friendly."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £60.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £95.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £0.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 12.50% |
Vowels Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4LJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
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