East Grinstead
Gravetye Manor

Gravetye Manor

Vowels Lane, RH19 4LJ East Grinstead, United Kingdom

British • European • Ice Cream • Britisch-modern


"We go to Gravetye 3 or 4 times a year if we can and have been going for many many years over the tenures of several owners. It 's always a complete joy, and the current owner has done a fabulous job of getting the right people in, both inside and out. Tom Coward, the Head Gardener (ex. Dixter) has a vision and a long term plan that make continual visits over an extended period a joy every time we visit we are surprised by the continual changes we learn so much and the garden staff are super helpful and willing to discuss what they 're up to and why. The amazing oval massive kitchen garden that supplies the hotel is a source of wonderment and not to be missed. A visual and culinary feast. We 've never stayed there as we live reasonably close, but have eaten in both the old and new dining rooms many times. The new dining room sits harmoniously between the wings of the manor and although a very modern glass and steel construction, the inclusion of a fabulous antique (and uneven) parquet floor (ex. some french chateau) softens the feel and acoustics, making the room almost intimate. The floor to ceiling windows bring you right into the garden, even in the foulest of weather it 's a triumph of design. Then there 's the food. Apart from the presentation, which is exquisite, the flavours and textures always bring a broad grin, however grumpy I am! This is absolutely first rate British cuisine; the kitchen under Head Chef George Blogg is to be commended, as are the garden staff producing the freshest of produce. I occasionally try to photograph the plates, but invariably find I 've forgotten that rather crass move and have just launched in! Must also mention the front of house staff. Perfectly presented and mannered, they know exactly the boundary between staff and guest and make you feel completely comfortable and relaxed there is nothing stuffy or obsequious about Gravetye everything is pitched just spot on and nothing is too much trouble. We were there today for a birthday treat, but will be back again soon for a post family wedding get together. Cannot recommend too highly just an excellent few hours, whatever the weather. Walkability: Lots of paths. The lower areas are easy for those with limited mobility, however it might be tricky to get up to the kitchen garden if you 're not great on your feet. Food drinks: See my review."

La Farola

La Farola

194 London Rd, East Grinstead, United Kingdom

Pizza • Steak • Seafood • European


"I live very nearby this restaurant, and have driven by and walked by for months, but never had an opportunity to try it. Upon entering we had a friendly greeting. Promptly seated and ordered a couple of Spanish lagers. Questions for the waitress about what 's good for dinner. She suggested 3 tapas plate each. Ordered, prawns with garlic mushrooms, mussels, spicy chorizo, sirloin and grilled onions, chicken kebabs, and something called White bait . Which is actually anchovies battered and deep fried. I took one but of the White bait , and it was revolting. But I don 't like anchovies. So I didn 't eat any more than one small bite. The prawns were tiny and few. The chicken kebabs were tasty ,but over cooked and dry. The mussels were chewy and overcooked. The chorizo was ok . My dinner partner ate a few more White bait We had 2 pints each and tia Maria coffee for dessert. This came to _84.75. We left and walked uptown and started to feel ill. This worsened and my partner became violently ill. By the time we got home we both had very bad stomach. My partner began to vomit and it tasted like fish. We 've been sick all night and today. It 's appalling to serve spoilt fish, simply deep frying it does not make the bad bacteria go away. Although the wait staff was friendly, this pretty much ruined the experience and could have endangered our health. My partner has been in bed all day and in the loo. I will not be going back ever."