Terra Restaurant at Tottington Manor near Henfield has got a lot going for it.
For a start, it’s right at the foot of the South Downs and when you get out of the car, there is a silence and tranquillity that is instantly calming. On a sunny day, you can sit on the restaurant decking watching the sun dance on the slopes of the Downs. This I like very much.
Inside, there’s a warm but contemporary feel in a building that is actually several hundred years old. Both the restaurant and hotel have been under new ownership since 2021 and the joy the owners and their staff appear to feel at their surroundings is palpable. You’re made to feel very welcome, akin to visiting good friends.
The Terra approach
As Helen Pomery (one of the owners) explained, Terra roughly translates as land or ground and is partly inspired by their dedication to all thing locals. Helen also explains that when they first took ownership, she spotted an imported box of vegetables and immediately knew there had to be a better way. The result is that 90% of their ingredients are from Sussex, and they’re slightly apologetic that their beef comes from as far a field as Surrey! But it is exceptionally good beef, they explain.
Other than that, their fish is landed at Newhaven, they serve South Downs lamb, use butchers in Steyning and Worthing, and their vegetables are from Chefs Farm, a cooperative of local producers. Even their butter is Sussex made and they make their own pickles, chilli oils and even their own gin (ask about their Terra Gin). They change their menu seasonally according to what is available. And if you’re worried about the drinks menu … that’s suitably Sussex too! They have a great selection of Sussex wines, spirits and beers and if all that’s not enough, co-owner Steve Pomery, is a green ambassador for Sussex, and they’re working hard on their other environmental credentials.
What’s on the menu?
As you’d expect, their menu is all about the flavours of Sussex, and head chef, Chris Hilton, works with a team of six other chefs. Their approach is “simple ingredients, cooked well with flair and passion“! For starters you might be tempted by Sussex cheese twice baked soufflé, Sussex lamb meatballs or garlic and chilli clams amongst other dishes. Or you might just opt for a selection of appetisers – after all – who doesn’t love the sound of aubergine babaganoush?
You may struggle to choose your main course when there are the temptations of Sussex pork belly, a trio of South Downs lamb, Surrey sirloin steak, heritage tomato and Sussex Charmer puff pastry tart or one of their sharing platters – like the Sussex sharing platter with Sussex cheeses, charcuterie, sausage, Ticehurst apple, Sussex sourdough and other Sussexy pleasures. And of course, you can wash it all down with a Sussex wine. Happy days indeed.
If you know me, you know I consider it rude to leave without dessert but it’s a difficult choice between Mocha Delice (think crispy praline base, chocolate cremeux, caramelised cob nuts and coffee meringue), their Terra seasonal cheesecake or perhaps their fabulous Sussex apple tart. I tried all three!
Utterly replete, head to their cosy lounge where you’ll find a selection of hundreds of Sussex books, perfect for a post meal linger. With a new look and a new menu unveiled for spring, and lots of seating, indoors, outside and in their special “nook”, this is a great find to add to your “must try /must eat” list.
Will we be back?
Terra has a really interesting menu and all the dishes are beautifully presented and hit all the right notes. So, based on that alone, it’s easy to say that I loved it and will be back. But there is more to it than that. I’ve visited several times now and have chatted at length with the team. There is a genuine desire here to do things sustainably, locally and “better” and they really are embracing the building’s history and surroundings. So yes, like Arnie, I’ll definitely “be back”.
If you like this post about Terra restaurant at Tottington Manor, you may also like:
Tottington South Downs Walk (West Sussex)
Things To Do In Henfield, West Sussex
Things To Do In Steyning
