Restaurant at Gravetye Manor
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Restaurant at Gravetye Manor Summary
- Address: Vowels Lane, nr East Grinstead, RH19 4LJ (Map)
- Tel: +44 (0)844 567 2459
- E-mail: Click here to contact
- Website: Go to the Restaurant at Gravetye Manor website
- Gallery: View more images
- Cuisine(s): French, Modern British
- Opening Times:
Mon - Sun: 12:30 - 13:45 19:30 - 21:30 - Avg Price: £65.00
(Avg Price is the average cost per person for a full meal, drinks/wine and service/tip.)
Restaurant at Gravetye Manor Description
Some years ago, when reviewing Gravetye, I said, 'There are places where even the mention of their name induces a sign of contentment as the eyes mist over with the recollections, and so it is with Gravetye; after all the name itself is evocative, like a favoured place from a Dornford Yates novel'.
I still see no reason to change one word of those sentiments. To go to Gravetye is to make a journey back to 1598 when Richard Infield built the house for his wife, Katherine, so little has changed. Between 1884-1935 William Robinson, one of the great pioneering gardeners of all time created the great English garden that still exists, surrounded by its 1000-acre ring of magnificent trees.
Gravetye was purchased in 2004 by the former General Manager, Andrew Russell, and Chef de Cuisine, Mark Raffan, both of whom had been there for over 17 years with Peter Herbert. Between all three, one of the most imposing array of awards and accolades ever collected by one single restaurant has been built up, and continues to grow.
The centrepiece is the oak-panelled dining room in which a daily three course table d'hôte menu and a seasonal three course menu are offered. Let us first take a look at an example of the seasonal menu a la carte, starting with a tian of Cornish crab, roast scallop and chilled gazpacho, or a mosaic of spring rabbit foie gras and spiced peach rhubarb and orange relish.
When we arrive at springtime English asparagus is at its best with an accompaniment of Gravetye's smoked salmon, Hollandaise and creamy asparagus soup, or perhaps the trio of foie gras, cured ballotine, pan fried with tomato and aubergine chutney, and warm mousse with Earl Grey jelly.
Loin of local organic veal with new season morel, saffron pasta and creamy Madeira sauce takes a lead amongst the main courses, with the assisette of Scottish lobster not far behind. A fillet of West Coast turbot is accompanied by a delicate salmon and lobster sausage, garden vegetables and vanilla scented nage. Red mullet and John Dory come as a sautéed fillet with a simple fricassée of mussels, leeks and tomatoes.
Amongst the desserts expect to see a hot mango soufflé with a tulip of mango, orange and chilli syrup, or a lightly poached peach with gratin of strawberries and peach marquise. We historic old gents who like our savoury in the form of traditional Welsh rarebit will not go empty away either, and the cheese selection is just sublime. No other word for it.
A table d'hôte lunch might consist of a ballotine of foie gras and squab pigeon, crispy fried skate wing or pan fried calf's liver and bacon, followed by chocolate and orange crème brûlée.
Like everything else at Gravetye, the wine list of over 600 bins displays the same care and attention and is put together with advice from Reid Wines. It includes a Cote Tariquet Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2003 from France, a new and unusual wine, and a Casablanca Merlot 2000 from Chile as well as many other tried or thought-provoking bottles.
Gravetye's attractive Website will keep you up to date, particularly with the seasonal menu changes. Do note though that they do not cater for children under 7 years of age.
Fixed Lunch
- £26 (3 courses), Mon - Sat, £38 (3 courses), Sun
Fixed Dinner
- £38 to £55 (3 courses)
Your Reviews of Restaurant at Gravetye Manor
Big Al (30 March 2008)
The food and surroundings were absolutely fantastic. The service was attentive yet unobtrusive and it was a perfect evening.
A & M Lacey (18 February 2008)
I booked Gravetye for my wife's birthday and was pleasantly surprised to get a table - having read the reviews in many places online, I was expecting a 'no' 4 weeks prior to that date. It was planned as a surprise for her on the day and having never visited before I was equally taken aback by the Manor and its staff as much as she was. After being welcomed in the hall, we sat down to view the menu and the amazing wine list, whilst sipping on a dry sherry. We both decided on the a la carte and carefully noted the wine recommendations for each course we ordered within the wine list. Each course was to be savoured in the beautiful old panelled dining room. The room was full, but provided a lovely atmosphere muted by the old oak panels surrounding the diners. Service was professional, attentive and knowledgeable. One of the few places the added 12.5% tip was deserved. Compliments to Mark Raffan the chef for the attention to detail in each ingredient, preparation and cooking within each dish. A definate 'destination' place for all serious foodies and wine lovers. Rooms looked pricey, but not over the top and lovely period touches throughout the hotel. Will return for more special occasions.
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Additional Info for Restaurant at Gravetye Manor
Children welcome
Groups allowed
Air conditioning
Outside seating
Reservations
Cover Charge
- House red: £21.00
- House white: £17.00
- Service charge: Included
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