Gravetye Manor

Such a beautiful experience. Everything is incredible from the house, the gardens, the walled kitchen garden, the food in the restaurant to the bedrooms and the staff. Exactly what you would expect from a 5 star hotel and Michelin starred restaurant. It’s also lovely to be able to walk around the entire 1000 acre estate and further into the surrounding countryside. Such a peaceful secluded destination with a timeless sense of luxury.

Our Christmas present to each other was a night away, with dinner and breakfast, at Gravetye Manor. Friends had visited, and on the strength of their comments, we decided to treat ourselves. When people speak so highly of a place, it’s easy for it not to live up to expectations. So, I was hoping that we would not be disappointed when we visited last Thursday. On pulling into the carpark, our first impression was very favourable, and things just got better from then on. We were greeted in the carpark, shown to reception and our cases were taken. Reception staff were lovely, check in swift and we were shown our room. Our room was upgraded, and when we saw where we would be staying, we couldn’t stop smiling. Our accommodation exceeded all our expectations. Before dinner we enjoyed a cocktail each in the bar, and were then shown to our table in the dining room. It’s misleading when you read that you will be served a three course dinner. We each chose our three courses, and even before we received our starter, three very tasty dishes, along with a selection of bread and butter, were brought to our table. Another tasty morsel appeared before our mains arrived, and another before our desert. Each dish was beautifully presented, and tasted wonderful, and the wines the Sommelier chose for us complimented the dishes perfectly. After the meal we were shown to a small lounge where coffee and petit fours were waiting for us. The perfect end to a wonderful meal. After a comfortable night’s sleep we enjoyed a very tasty breakfast, overlooking the lovely garden. The whole experience was a wonderful treat, all the staff were great, and we hope to return very soon. Thanks to all.

Superb ‘field to fork’ meal. Worth every penny (especially as I wasn’t paying!). Party of three - one vegan, one veggie, one meat eater. Every dish I had was exquisite - both in presentation and taste. Most of the ingredients came from the gardens and really couldn’t taste any better. The setting and the Manor House itself is also stunning - even on an overcast day. The glass-fronted restaurant enclosure ingeniously nestles between the stone exterior walls, offering up a glorious view of the beautiful gardens. Service was attentive, informative, warm and friendly. Seriously good food.

We went for lunch on Sunday with two French friends who have high standards and expectations. The service, presentation and quality of the food was exceptional as usual. Our friends were more than impressed to say the least. They said the Gravetye was better than any restaurant they have been to in France !

Here for a private dining room lunch with family, ages ranging from teens to 70+ and the everything about the day was spot on. Canapes and fizz outside on the terrace made for an excellent start and the lunch itself was superb. The menu obviously changes but the Dorset crab and Sussex lamb were real highlights. More the the food and surroundings though, what I enjoy about Gravetye is the fact that it's understated and unpretentious. It's good and knows it's good but doesn't have to make the point. Attentive but unobtrusive service, stylish but unfussy and friendly staff. Not cheap but worth very penny (especially if someone else is paying).

I have decided that outside of London, this is my favourite location to eat and relax. We had Lunch again yesterday, and it was superb. The souffle' was heavenly ,as was the brioche ,the like of which has never been bettered in my book. All the staff are wonderful, but special mention should be made of the Doormen, who are so kind and obliging, and Alison, who has been there all the years we have been going. A gem. It is perfect for a low key celebration, and has real style and ambience in an understated way. So many places have now resorted to a sort of excess in decoration and glitz which is vulgar ,and pretentious, and is prompted only by the money. How refreshing this has not been embraced by Gravetye Manor. We shall return.