Lakeside Sussex Retreat

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.

‘Maré’ translates to ‘tide’ in Portuguese, reflecting the ever-changing seasonality of the cooking at this neighbourhood restaurant from the acclaimed chef behind London’s Da Terra. The beautiful interior is sleek and modern, while the cooking draws on influences from Cagali’s Brazilian roots, along with forays into the Mediterranean, Mexico and Japan. Sharing is encouraged, although you’ll be loath to give up any of the signature ‘baba au cachaça’. Service is warm, genial and caring, with many dishes delivered by the chefs.

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.

Cin Cin’s loyal band of customers come for its wallet-friendly Italian cuisine, where fresh ingredients are simply cooked and natural flavours are allowed to shine. You can create a different experience every time you visit by sitting in a different place: in front of the open kitchen, at the horseshoe counter, gazing out the window onto the street or in the calmer rear room. Wherever you choose, the terrific homemade pasta is a must – such as strozzapretti with wild mushrooms, pickled shallots and parmesan. An all-Italian wine list completes the picture.

A pink neon sign beckons you into this wonderful little neighbourhood restaurant that's all about small plates and big flavours. The style of the food is described as ‘spice driven’ and draws on multiple global cuisines across the selection of affordable dishes, be that scallops with ancho chilli butter or Keralan fried chicken. The décor is simple and understated, but the cooking is bold and interesting, with an appropriate degree of care taken in the kitchen. Kick your evening off with a colourful cocktail, and make sure to end it with a delicious dessert.

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.

Hidden away within Brighton's famous Lanes, it's easy to miss this fun, relaxed spot. That would be a great shame, as it's a terrific place with retro music on the speakers and cocktails flying out from behind the bar. The menu slots in perfectly with the culinary trends of the times, offering a selection of sharing plates based on produce cooked over a wood-burning fire. Look out for the Middle Eastern and North African influences, such as the creative, beautifully golden leek and spinach pastilla.