GRAVETYE MANOR
Here are six reasons to put this kitchen-garden paradise in Sussex on your hitlist
1 The natural English garden of this historic manor house hotel, established by legendary gardener William Robinson in 1885, is particularly beautiful in late summer. The vast walled kitchen garden supplies the restaurant with fruit, veg and herbs from simple sage to several different varieties of beetroot. Gardener Tom Coward is name-checked on the menu, showing how serious the link between the kitchen and the garden is here.
2 A smart glass-front extension has transformed a small traditional dining room into a modern restaurant in which you feel you’re dining in the garden, whatever the weather. Service is switched on and slick with a sense of collaboration and full appreciation of the seasons.
3 Chef George Blogg’s menu is influenced by what’s growing right now, and available from local suppliers. Highlights include charcoal-flamed lobster, Romney salt-marsh lamb and gooseberry crumble soufflé with mint ice cream. Dishes change daily depending on availability.
4 A spectacular cheese trolley heaves with English and Irish artisan cheeses like the oozing Celtic Promise and Stinking Bishop.
5 Sussex is becoming well-known for producing leading English wines. Gravetye’s wine list includes nearby newbie Kingscote as well as more established fizz Nyetimber.
6 A seasonal garden tour followed by lunch is a lovely way to experience Gravetye’s plotto-plate approach – 28 September and 25 October are the next dates. gravetyemanor.co.uk