A Restaurant Worth Travelling To: The Woodcote, Sussex

Set within the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, The Woodcote is a recently restored country pub that’s now a smart restaurant with rooms worth crossing counties for. At its core is a contemporary menu led by local chef Matt Gillan, known for winning appearances on Great British Menu and for securing a Michelin star for The Pass at South Place in nearby Horsham. Matt’s dishes focus on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers as well as the pub’s own bee hives and kitchen garden, which guests are free to explore during a stay here. And while this is just the start of The Woodcote’s ambitious journey, a meal here already impresses.

On the edge of the pretty village of Graffham, surrounded by fields full of llamas and alpacas, the Woodcote makes an impression as you pull into the car park. Whether you’re staying overnight or working up an appetite for a long lunch, it’s worth arriving early to soak in the beauty of the South Downs National Park. From the restaurant, there are lots of circular walks and strolls of varying length and difficulty. Even if you just opt to explore Graffham and neighbouring estate Lavington, you’ll be rewarded with views and charming churches.

Whether you’ve worked up a sweat or not, stepping into the Woodcote is a welcoming experience. The front section of the building is a refined take on a country inn, with open fires and relaxed spaces – the table in the bay window was flanked by a handsome pair of black labs when we arrived. While local ales are on offer, the drinks menu is not just traditional. We kicked off our meal with a Matcha Martini (Sapling climate-positive vodka, fino sherry, matcha and lavender) and an excellent Nutty By Nature (brown butter-washed bourbon, amaretto, lemon and cinnamon). 

The restaurant itself takes on a different atmosphere. Lined with windows, it’s a bright space that allows your eyes to roam out towards the gardens and far-reaching Downs views. The outside is brought in via arrangements of zinnias, sunflowers and cosmos, all grown in the garden, which are used in the table displays. Cane chairs and sage-green walls combine to make the restaurant feel as though you’re dining in the conservatory of a modern country manor. In the summer months, there’s a patio garden that comes into its own. At night, candles take centre stage to bathe the room in a warm glow.