Leading Restaurants in South East England

Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey

With acclaimed chef Michael Wignall in the kitchen and a talented front of house team headed by restaurant manager Bruno Asselin and sommelier Davide Vaccarini, The Latymer... more

12 High Street, Sutton, Surrey

Conveniently located just 100 yards from the station, Brasserie Vacherin is a classic French brassierie by award winning chef Malcolm John that’s open all day from 8am serving... more

1 Buckingham Place, Seven Dials, Brighton, East Sussex

This wedge shaped building in Brighton's trendy Seven Dials area used to be a banking hall. But since chef Sam Metcalfe opened his laid back modern bistro in 2001, you can... more

Brighton Road, Horsham, West Sussex

The smart, chandeliered restaurant with its pristine napery opens out onto the terrace of this magnificent lodge with its beautifully maintained gardens. Head chef Matt... more

The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, Surrey

Chef Steve Drake proudly claims to be an “artisan” chef. There’s no question that, as the word suggests, he’s a skilled craftsman. Holder of the prestigious title of Roux... more

274 High Street, Guildford, Surrey

CAU is brought to Guildford by the team behind Gaucho Restaurants, which specialise in Argentinean beef. CAU, pronounced ‘cow’ stands for Carne Argentina Única and translates... more

85 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The jewel in Tunbridge Wells culinary crown is undoubtedly Thackeray’s, a stylish restaurant with honey-coloured walls, deep seating and pristine napery. It’s home to the... more

85 Maple Road, Surbiton, Surrey

Modern, sleek and uncluttered sums up this restaurant run by French husband and wife team Eric and Sarah Guignard. It also describes the cooking. You’ll find influences from... more

Tenterden Vineyard, Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent

Could there be a more enticing prospect for a lover of food and wine than a top notch restaurant in a vineyard? TV Chef Richard Phillips brings the modern European style of... more

5/6 Landgate, Rye, East Sussex

The Landgate Bistro offers a friendly welcome to anyone who decides to dine in small Georgian restaurant close to Rye’s medieval gateway. The majority of the ingredients used... more

17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex

Settled into its new home at myhotel, in the people watching spot on Jubilee Street in Brighton’s North Laines, The Chilli Pickle serves regional Indian cuisine in modern... more

Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping Street, Climping, West Sussex

This 'Medieval' manor house is in fact less than 100 years old. You can ponder this architectural achievement, and the menu of course, over a pre-dinner glass of champagne in... more

35 Swan Street, West Malling, Kent

Contemporary meets classic at The Swan in West Malling set in a 15th century coaching inn where blonde wood floors, neutral walls, original restored beams and contrasted by... more

Chapel Lane, East Chiltington, Lewes, East Sussex

A cosy bar welcomes you as you enter this weather boarded pub in the Sussex countryside. The main dining area shares the same rustic charm albeit with a contemporary edge... more

21a Norfolk Square, Brighton, East Sussex

From humble beginnings Ben McKellar’s small culinary kingdom has grown to include four restaurants of which the unassuming Gingerman was the first. A stylish yet intimate... more

7/9 High Street, Aylesford, Kent

TV Chef Richard Phillips brings the modern European style of cooking that has made his two other Kent restaurants Thackerys and Richard Phillips at Chapel Down a success to... more

19/23 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey

Jamie Oliver’s style has never been about blending quietly into the background. The celebrity chef’s zeal is clearly evident in this branch of his popular Italian eaterie. A... more

65 High Street, Arundel, West Sussex

Finding a 16th century carved walnut Florentine ceiling in a converted Regency townhouse in West Sussex is a surprise. But you won’t be distracted by it long once you tuck... more

Speldhurst, Kent

The George & Dragon is a medieval pub in Speldhurst and reported to be the second oldest pub in the country. This 13th Century Inn is atmospheric with traditional old oak... more

Southborough Common, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

As you might expect from a restaurant named after one of the top chateaux in France, Montrose offers a cracking list of French wines to accompany chef Richard Hard modern... more

12 College Place, Brighton, East Sussex

At the Ginger Dog the same standard of food is offered as its sister restaurant The Gingerman in a more casual environment. The back street pub has been turned into a... more

Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex

Check out the modern art in the stylish Pallant House Gallery, then head to Roux brothers-trained Sam and Janet Mahoney's elegant and contemporary in-house restaurant that's... more

Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, West Sussex

Set in nine acres of beautifully maintained grounds, the Elizbethan period Ockenden Manor feels a world away from everyday life. In fact, you’re just a few yards from... more

Drakes of Brighton, 43/44 Marine Parade, Brighton, East Sussex

Deep grey banquettes, exposed brickwork and polished wooden floors make this intimate dining room in the smart Drakes boutique hotel perfect for dinner a deux or special... more

Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent

An unassuming pub exterior conceals a restaurant of high culinary ambition. They make their own sourdough bread, butter, and even salt from the nearby seawater. Inside is all... more

30/33 High Street, Canterbury, Kent

With its caramel leather chairs, banquette seating and transparent wall of wine, Abode packs in so much contemporary style that you'd never guess you were in a hotel dining... more

44 King Street, Margate, Kent

The Ambrette is an Indian restaurant set in the quaint George Hotel in Margate. Executive chef, Dev Biswal has shunned curries, and poppadoms in favour of marrying seasonal... more

17 High Street, Battle, East Sussex

Chef Paul Noble has brought the skills and experience he picked up working for top London hotels to open the sort of smart neighbourhood restaurant you'd kill to have on your... more

Woodgate House, Westfield Lane, Westfield, East Sussex

A red bricked Sussex farmhouse has been converted into a comfortable restaurant which showcases the best ingredients the county has to offer. Some of the original features... more

42 Western Road, Hove, Brighton, East Sussex

Brighton’s Royal Pavillion and the surrounding Regency architecture of Hove’s Brunswick Square provide the inspiration for the modern decor in this restaurant with its... more

2 Herne Bay Road, Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent

You won’t find a 500-strong wine list here – or indeed any wine. But you can bring your own, along with a good appetite to enjoy this tiny restaurant close to the sea. The... more

28 High Street, Biddenden, Kent

This converted Flemish weavers’ cottage in a quaint Kentish village is run by husband and wife team Graham and Jackie Garrett. He, the Richard Corrigan-trained chef, cooks... more

Fletching, Uckfield, East Sussex

The 16th-century Griffin Inn oozes old world charm with low beamed ceilings and uneven floorboards. Guests are greeted with blazing log fires in winter or can enjoy the... more

Junction Road, Bodiam, East Sussex

The white weather board exterior gives the impression of a quaint country pub but the interior reveals something far more sophisticated. The panelled walls are painted in a... more

Terwick Lane, Trotton, Petersfield, West Sussex

The delightful old house, that is now home to the Keepers Arms, sits on a hillside overlooking the river Rother as it has done since 1640. What was the old smithy has become... more

The Chequers Inn, High Street, Maresfield, East Sussex

This former 18th-century coaching inn has been recently re-launched as a bistro style restaurant by Marco Pierre White. The panelled walls are embellished with JAKS cartoons... more

Ship Street, Brighton, East Sussex

Open all week, and under the tutelage of Head Chef, Rob Carr Bistro du Vin is at the heart of our hotel, a classic, French styled and informal setting for lunch, dinner, to... more

1 Paston Place, Brighton, West Sussex

The eponymous Sam worked at a number of top London restaurants before returning to his native South Coast to open Sevendials in the Seven Dials area of Brighton back in 2001,... more

Watery Lane, Funtington, West Sussex

Hallidays - housed in three thatched cottages that date back to 13th century, the 28 seat restaurant offers fine dining in an intimate atmosphere. Chef proprietor Andy... more

3 Stan's Way, East Street, Horsham, West Sussex

A wooden beamed 16th Century building, with contrasting modern touches, houses this restaurant, which is run by chef proprietor Tristan Mason. Tristan is an award-winning chef... more

Hensfield Road, Albourne, West Sussex

Situated in Albourne, the pub has views over the Sussex Downs from its extensive grounds which include a beer garden; a children's’ play area and raised vegetable beds. The... more

East Street, Turners Hill, West Sussex

This 17th-century mansion set in 175 acres of Sussex parkland was once home to the poet Shelley. He’d hardly recognise the place now with its trendy “Reflections” brasserie... more

23 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent

If the framed menus from the world's poshest restaurants don't tell you your in an establishment of some ambition then the napkin rings monogrammed with chef/proprietor Tim... more

120 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex

Set in the picturesque village of Hurstpierpoint in the South Downs, the Fig Tree Restaurant is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Run by husband and wife team, David and... more

71 East Street, Brighton, East Sussex

If ever a single restaurant could dispel the myth that vegetarian food is boring and stodgy then Terre a Terre is it. The clean and simple interior and stripped wood tables... more

The Waterside Hotel, 11/12 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex

The award-winning Waterside Seafood Restaurant offers an inspirational menu that combines an exciting mix of the freshest ocean fare straight from the South shore whilst the... more

King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex

The white edifice of the Grand Hotel stands resplendent on Eastbourne’s seafront as a reminder of bygone days when it attracted notable people such as Winston Churchill as its... more

Gomshall Lane, Shere, Surrey

Kinghams is an English restaurant housed in a 17th Century cottage in the picture postcard Surrey village of Shere. The dining room retains all its traditional features, low... more

The Main Street, Burpham, Arundel, West Sussex

The George & Dragon Inn is the perfect choice for those who seeking a slice of British rustic cooking and a classic English pint. A wide range of real ales and wines are on... more

Buxted Park, Buxted, Uckfield, East Sussex

The Dining Room at Buxted Park Hotel offers guests the quintessential elegant dining experience set as it is in a grand 18th century Georgian mansion. They can relax and... more