June’s featured restaurant was Gravetye Manor, Vowels Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4LJ
Award: One Michelin star
Executive Chef: George Blogg
Head Chef: Charles Coulombeau
Review: We visited on a balmy Sunday evening and were lucky enough to be able to drink our aperitifs in the stunning garden. The welcome was excellent. We were given a brief introduction to the history of the manor and shown the garden. Overall, the service was as excellent as you would expect. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, answering all of my many questions.
We decided to choose from the a la carte instead of the tasting menu option. Unusually, all of the dishes on the menu appealed to me.
The food was exceptional. I think that George Blogg’s food is relatively classical. However, he does not redefine dishes by deconstruction, but works to refine the ingredients themselves. This was very clever cooking with exciting taste combinations. The standout dishes for me were the quail starter that was perfectly cooked with juicy pieces of quail, and the John Dory main course that was served with a stunning shellfish sauce.
My only suggestion would be to play some soft background music in the restaurant. Everyone was whispering and the music might lighten the atmosphere.
If you haven’t visited Gravetye yet, I would recommend you do so. If you are flying on holiday from Gatwick, then you are only 20 minutes away and it is well worth the visit. This is an exceptional restaurant, set in a stunning location, and I would not be surprised if another star is added in the near future. I will be going back!!
Check out my full review here