The Camellia Restaurant at South Lodge Hotel

A haven of gracious living, this impeccably presented Victorian country-house hotel stands in 90 acres of mature gardens and grounds, and offers stunning views over the South Downs. With its wood panelling, oil paintings, heavy fabrics and sense of space, it was built to impress and it certainly does. The sumptuous, candlelit restaurant - named after the 100-year-old camellia which still grows against the terrace wall - continues the theme, with ornate ceilings, wood panelling and floors and crisp white tablecloths, while large windows offer views over the downs. Service is formal but appropriately friendly. The kitchen's approach is intelligently simple, with the emphasis on allowing tip-top seasonal produce to shine. The style is modern-focused and underpinned by a classical theme, with the fixed-price menu repertoire refreshingly unpretentious. Dishes are delivered with flair and a lightness of touch and enjoy well-defined flavours and combinations. For mains, take a fillet of halibut served with braised shallots, roast salsify and potato purée, or slow-cooked beef fillet paired with carrot purée and Madeira sauce, and for dessert, perhaps a caramelised apple tartlet with custard ice cream.

A281 Brighton road out of Horsham, through Monksgate. Hotel is on right past Leonardslee Gardens on left
Nearest station: Horsham

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