West Sussex Restaurant Guide

“Wonderful fresh produce and stunning dishes” win fans for the Norbury family’s “fantastic gastropub”, handily placed for the South Downs and coast, and there’s a “great atmosphere” to boot.

“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.

2018 Review: In beautiful Sussex countryside, this “superb” Elizabethan country house hotel makes a “romantic” retreat from ‘the smoke’, “with a wonderful dining room and rooms that are to die for”. One former fan had a poor visit here this year, but the majority of feedback lauds Steve Crane’s accomplished cuisine (there’s an à la carte, or choice of six- and seven-course tasting menus).

With its stylish interiors and large garden, this modern brasserie in the heart of the town offers an “accessible” menu, with something for everyone, majoring in “excellent steaks and grills (including venison)”.

“The surroundings are stunning on the South Downs” at this “relaxed pub” at the heart of the Goodwood Estate, which has “great views if you can sit at the back”. It serves “good straightforward food, with no pretensions”.

It’s all change again at this out-of-the-way old country pub, north of Petworth. DJ Chris Evans owned it about five years ago, then Tom Sellers ran it, but that came to an end last year, and as of August 30 2019, it has a new management team and a less ‘fine dining’ approach than under the chef of London’s Restaurant Story. Reports please!