Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude2.jpg" alt="Interlude, Sussex" class="wp-image-83334" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Michelin Star announcements have arrived, and they&#8217;re precisely the zesty newsflash we could all do with in February. The headline? Two new stars join the local foodie firmament, one of them having opened less than six months ago, and twin towns Brighton and Hove get their first Michelin star in more than 40 years. But it&#8217;s not all smiles here in Sussex. It seems that Tillingham, the biodynamic vineyard near Rye, has lost its coveted Green Michelin Star. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mare-hove"><strong><a href="https://www.marehove.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maré</a>, Hove – ★</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/mare.jpg" alt="Maré, Hove" class="wp-image-83324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/mare.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/mare-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/mare-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/mare-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/mare-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Not since Le Français in Brighton&#8217;s Kemp Town closed its doors in has Brighton and Hove been able to boast a Michelin starred restaurant. Cue Rafael Cagali&#8217;s Maré, which opened less than six months ago. He&#8217;s the chef behind London hotspot Da Terra, and the menu here is coloured by his Brazilian routes (its name means &#8216;tide&#8217; in Portuguese). It&#8217;s seasonal but sleek, and sharing plates are ideal for anyone who has trouble keeping their fork to themselves (ahem!). You&#8217;ll want to make it one spoon only for the signature pud, baba au cachaça aka rum baba, but unlike any you&#8217;ll have tasted before.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knepp-wilding-kitchen-horsham-green-star"><strong><a href="https://knepp.co.uk/wilding-kitchen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knepp Wilding Kitchen</a>, Horsham – Green Star</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/knepp.jpg" alt="Knepp Wilding Kitchen, Sussex" class="wp-image-83322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/knepp.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/knepp-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/knepp-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/knepp-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/knepp-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As a pioneering rewinding project, Knepp Estate is renowned. Now its restaurant can flourish credentials to match. A newly bestowed Green Star acknowledges the deeply ingrained ethos of this special place, which embodies the farm-to-table ideal. Housed in a bright, airy barn, its meat hails from surrounding pastures and woodland, and its veg is grown in its 2.5 acre organic garden. Any ingredients that have to be sourced elsewhere derive from strictly like-minded suppliers. The flour used for the flatbreads, say, is ground by a regenerative miller. From the latest lunch menu we&#8217;re eying a kale salad with pickled pears, crutons and Brighton blue cheese dressing. Also, Knepp venison loin, market garden beetroot, prunes and Nc’nean whiskey sauce. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interlude-lower-beeding-amp-green-star"><strong><a href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChsSEwjKu7_vp8-SAxXZpVAGHZqEEbkYACICCAEQABoCZGc&amp;co=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAy6vMBhDCARIsAK8rOgmMVkkSKb12VCQE_cDAi9sRhgWTaeHMygkZGoHZyTfH0kS8k_UubAIaAgD9EALw_wcB&amp;cce=1&amp;sig=AOD64_0JUN-EoytOSo2q7MIv_tJ6TNvIMg&amp;q&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRi7jvp8-SAxVzWEEAHekRJloQ0Qx6BAgIEAQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interlude</a>, Lower Beeding – <strong><strong><strong>★</strong></strong></strong></strong> &amp;<strong> GREEN STAR</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude1.jpg" alt="Interlude, Sussex" class="wp-image-83335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/interlude1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With not one but two Michelin stars under its expanding belt (or is that just Muddy’s after all this talk of food?), Interlude is an essential addition to any local restaurant wish-list. Given its Green Star status, it’s no surprise that the multi-course menu changes with the seasons. It also spotlights ingredients foraged from the Grade I-listed Leonardslee Lakes &amp; Gardens (don&#8217;t worry, the resident wallaby colony does not feature!). Chef Jean Delport&#8217;s secret ingredient is more far-flung: his South African heritage. You can taste it in details like the carrot biltong in his signature &#8216;Rabbit Eats Carrot&#8217; dish. We&#8217;re betting you won’t want to leave – happily, Leonardslee House is <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/pillow-talk-the-sussex-hotels-that-have-bagged-michelin-keys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a hotel with its own Michelin accolade</a>. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dining-room-gravetye-manor-east-grinstead"><strong><a href="https://www.gravetyemanor.co.uk/dining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dining Room</a>, Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead – <strong><strong>★</strong></strong></strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/gravetye2.jpg" alt="The Dining Room, Gravetye Manor, Sussex" class="wp-image-83332" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/gravetye2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/gravetye2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/gravetye2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/gravetye2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/gravetye2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another luminary of Sussex fine-dining scene that has retained its well-deserved star. Local produce shines here – extremely local, as menus feature lots of lovely ingredients grown mere metres away, in its 35 acres of exceedingly picturesque grounds. While the manor house is full of historic ornamentation, the restaurant occupies a contemporary extension. Its striking simplicity is mirrored in dishes like the garden salad. Reckon that sounds overly simple? Think again! For a less splurgy treat, take a look at the lunch set menu or afternoon tea options. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ben-wilkinson-at-the-pass-horsham"><strong><a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/the-pass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Wilkinson at The Pass</a>, Horsham – <strong><strong>★</strong></strong></strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/the-pass.jpg" alt="Ben Wilkinson at The Pass, Sussex" class="wp-image-83327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/the-pass.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/the-pass-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/the-pass-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/the-pass-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Having only opened in 2022, The Pass has enjoyed a giddy ascent. It was awarded a Michelin Star within its first year and has held tight to it ever since – with good reason. Helmed by the incredible culinary talent of Ben Wilkinson, its seven-course tasting menu is an odyssey of taste, texture and eye-popping visuals. The Pass has also won four AA Rosettes and <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/spotlight/review-the-pass-at-south-lodge-horsham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy&#8217;s firm approval</a>, and a significant refurbishment is set to have it gleaming with refreshed lighting, new furnishings and bold artwork. If you&#8217;re craving something extra special, don&#8217;t forget that it&#8217;s ensconced in South Lodge. Why not make a staycation of it and luxuriate in the Botanica spa while you&#8217;re there? </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bib-gourmands"><strong>Bib Gourmands </strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/theroyal.jpg" alt="The Royal, St Leonards-on-Sea" class="wp-image-83330" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/theroyal.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/theroyal-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/theroyal-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/theroyal-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Don&#8217;t forget the Michelin awards for exceptional food that also happens to be great value. <a href="https://burnt-orange.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burnt Orange</a> (Brighton), <a href="https://www.cincin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cin Cin</a> (Hove), <a href="https://www.dilllewes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dill </a>(Lewes), <a href="https://www.palmito.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palmito</a> (Hove), <a href="https://www.flinthousebrighton.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Flint House</a> (Brighton) and <a href="https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal</a> (St Leonards-on-Sea) all retain their Bib Gourmands, and they&#8217;re all sure to hit the spot next time you&#8217;re hankering after a really memorable meal. </p>



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Fine dining firecrackers! Michelin Star restaurants in Sussex

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