Premier Inn Haywards Heath

The 240-acre Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens were first planted in 1801 and are famous today for their azaleas, rhododendrons and even a wallaby colony. Within the grounds sits an Italianate mansion housing elegant bedrooms and this intimate restaurant. The 'Estate Experience' tasting menu uses seasonal ingredients from their own land, with Chef Jean Delport's South African heritage shining through – such as in the carrot biltong forming part of the signature 'Rabbit Eats Carrot' dish. The wine list continues the South African trend, with choices from their own Benguela Cove estate.

Situated in an enviable location next to the South Downs, South Lodge is a beautiful country house hotel that thankfully has a restaurant to match. Ben Wilkinson is an intelligent and skilful chef who runs a calm, focused kitchen; sit at the high-topped tables to watch him and his young team use impeccable techniques to get the most out of exceptional produce, be it day-boat turbot or wild fallow deer. The flavours build as the menu progresses and the desserts are a real highlight. Dishes are delivered with real pride by the chefs.

There’s plenty of originality on offer in the selection of small plates at this simple yet admirably inventive bistro. The menu adopts a global approach and wide-ranging influences, but nothing feels borrowed or copied from elsewhere with such uniquely put-together dishes – if it's on the menu, don't miss the Marmite-glazed ox tongue crumpet. A rustic interior and quirkily shaped dining room combine with the blackboard menus to give the place an intimate, welcoming feel, that is only enhanced by the knowledgeable and personable service team.

This long-standing inn is an understandably popular local haunt that has retained the feel of a proper village pub, and its interior is packed with character thanks to its beamed ceilings, pewter tankards, open fires and plenty of cosy corners. The good value cooking focuses on hearty pub classics such as a well-baked, immensely satisfying pie of the steak, mushroom and ale variety, accompanied by triple-cooked chips. The service team are sweet and friendly, while four tastefully decorated bedrooms complete the picture.

Situated on the edge of the woods, this long-standing thatched pub is full of character and you can't help but be carried away by the team's cheerful energy. It's run by the Gingerman Group, primarily based in Brighton, with this acting as their country outpost hidden away in the South Downs. Pubby favourites like Welsh rarebit or prawns with Marie Rose sauce are all present and correct, as are dishes with a little more flair; whatever you choose, the kitchen will lavish the same care upon it. The wine list includes some locally grown options.

The Knepp Estate is such a special place; from a dog walk around the gorgeous natural grounds to browsing produce in the farm shop, you could easily spend most of your day here. At the heart of it all is an ethos of rewilding, something which drives the menus at its restaurant housed inside an 18th-century barn. Here, the cooking is overtly seasonal and often uses ingredients from the Estate; try to kick off your meal with one of the fine flatbreads and punchy wild garlic butter. They are mostly open just for lunch, with some BBQ evenings in the summer.

An intimate and rustic spot, this bistro-style restaurant has only seven tables and offers a pleasingly personable dining experience. Everyone is served together at 7pm, so be sure to arrive on time for the multi-course tasting menu that features small plates with a creative and playful streak. Japan has the biggest influence on the menu, from tempura and a short sushi serving to tomato dashi with ricotta – although there's still room for a spicy lamb taco too. High-quality produce runs throughout, resulting in some well-defined flavours.