Harden's survey result
Summary
“For us, as garden lovers, a magical place” – this Elizabethan country house in the Sussex countryside sits in grounds laid out in the 1880s by the famous landscape gardener who then owned the property (and has been a hotel since 1958). “It‘s probably best to enjoy Gravetye in the summer when it is delightful to wander round the beautiful gardens with an aperitif” and to get the most out of “the modern, conservatory-style dining room, which is simply dazzling in design, creating a feeling of almost being in the garden”. Since its 2019 relaunch, there has been a major upgrade to the cuisine here, with chef George Blogg preparing “beautifully balanced dishes with assured use of ingredients”: “seasonal produce is allowed to shine and sing”. (The food would score even higher if the odd reporter did not find it “a bit safe”). Staff generally “can’t do enough for you” but ratings slipped slightly this year on one or two “hit ’n’ miss” experiences in this regard. No complaints of any significance were highlighted, and the general impression is that a meal here is “so smart, and of such quality”.
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”.
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 Gravetye Manor?
Vowels Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4LJ
Restaurant details
Gravetye Manor Restaurant Diner Reviews
"First time since their new chef joined. Wow! Better than ever. Amazing flavours and presentation. Food is extraordinary value. Pity I can’t say the same for the wine! Probably our favourite restaurant."
"Correct, pleasant, but unexciting."
"An outstanding lunch with superb food and amazing view of the garden. "
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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