Blue skies, medieval castles, coastal walks and excellent British vineyards – East Sussex truly is an outstanding place for a weekend escape from London. The restaurants aren’t bad either, as The Resident discovers in Part 3 of our Home Counties series…

Words: Madeleine Howell

1 The Curlew
 The Curlew is an old coaching inn near Bodiam Castle. We can’t get enough of the Sussex Farmhouse baked cheese soufflé with kirsch cream, along with organic wine, such as East Sussex’s own Sedlescombe white. Journey time to London: 1hr 40mins. Best for: Natural wine ethos. Average price: £85. See thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

The infamous Sussex Farmhouse double baked cheese soufflé at The Curlew

2 The Better Half, Hove
 Enjoy Hophead ale served with a hearty portion of rich venison stew, or a bavette steak with chimichurri sauce. Journey time to London: 1hr 20mins. Best for: A cozy afternoon. Average price: £56. See thebetterhalfpub.co.uk

Delicious food at The Better Half is best served with a pint of Hophead ale

3 Tuscan Rye, Rye
 A homely Italian restaurant on the cobbled streets of Rye – we love the antipasti and we’re very tempted indeed by the tortina cioccolato. Journey time to London: 1 hr 20mins. Best for: Panna cotta and pears in Chianti wine. Average price: £110. See tuscankitchenrye.co.uk

The quaint town of Rye is also home to an authentic Italian restaurant

READ MORE HOME COUNTIES: 6 OF THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN KENT THE KRAY TWINS’ ‘OLD NICK’ BECOMES BOUTIQUE HOTEL HOTEL REVIEW: LUCKNAM PARK, WILTSHIRE *

4 St Clements, Hastings
 The Michelin Bib Gourmand at St Clements is well earned. A changeable menu uses truly seasonal seaside produce for dishes such as rock oysters with shallot sauce. Journey time to London: 1hr 30mins. Best for: A modern take on seafood. Average price: £78. See stclementsrestaurant.co.uk

Rock oysters with shallot sauce make for a truly seasonal dish

5 The Restaurant at Drakes, Brighton
 The Michelin-starred Restaurant at Drakes on Marine Parade is best for fresh cod with lobster sauce and drinkable Bluebell Vineyard wines – not to mention the beautiful hotel suites overlooking the ocean. Journey time to London: 1 hour. Best for: Sophisticated dining and local wine. Average price: £130. See drakesofbrighton.com

The hotel rooms at Drakes in Brighton also boast beautiful sea views

TOP TOWNS IN EAST SUSSEX

Rye

Bodiam

Hastings

EAST SUSSEX’S TOP WALKS

The Wealdway

Saxon Shore Way

Bewl water reservoir