Ockenden Manor

I attended a Golden Wedding Anniversary lunch party. The whole event went without a hitch. The food was delicious and nothing was too much trouble for the staff.

Came for afternoon tea to celebrate our wedding anniversary (we got married here - which had been the most perfect day!). Unfortunately our table was located right next to reception so after not being able to hear ourselves due to the noise plus the continual stream of people (and dogs) going back and forth, we politely asked to be moved. Moved to an adjacent room which was better but we felt so out of place!

People wandering through in dressing gowns, jogging gear etc. Food not enjoyable. Jam was liquid (that's how they make it?), one fruit scone - no other choice, and cakes disappointing and not very pleasant. No one came to check if we needed any other drinks or top ups and we left within an hour very disappointed. Will not be going back!

Probably the best service I've ever experienced at a hotel. The staff are so polite! Our first stay and it was truly lovely. We will be back.

Went for spa day with massage and facial and lunch, all the staff were friendly and helpful amelia who had been there only a few weeks was lovley. Spa facilities and treatments excellent thank you to cassie who was wonderful. The restaurant menu was very limited and the only let down, but again all staff friendly and helpful. Good value for what was included!

We came for a morning spa massage, swim & lunch. The staff are so lovely, friendly and helpful. My massage by Leah was great. And the lunch was lovely. The only thing I'd have to say is that I wish there were more vegetarian options on the set menu. Other than that was lovely. Will definitely be returning.

Was given gift vouchers which we used on cream tea for two. Outside grounds were stunning. Hundreds of daffodils in the full bloom on the banks of a meandering stream. For 78 I expected crisp tablecloths, a room with at least some ambience with other people enjoying their tea. We were shown two rooms we could sit in, but we were the only ones in them.

Both very small with furniture that needed tlc. The first sandwich was stale, but the others were fine. Blueberry jam for scones a surprise! We have had many cream teas but this was really over priced. Staff were great. So disappointed. Would I recommend? Sorry, no.

We had an afternoon tea yesterday booked through Virgin experiences. After an unfortunate accident twisting my ankle and damaging my knee falling on their cobble floor (no one came to my rescue which was a shame for a posh hotel!) We sat down for the tea. Again, slight disappointment as expected to sit in their restaurant but it was in the lounge area with other guests walking in and out so felt slightly overdressed compared to others.

The Afternoon tea itself was a 6 out of 10, I have unfortunately had better. Because my husband was a vegetarian and asked for no salmon we were given both the same sandwiches despite myself being a meat eater and could of had the ham sandwiches. We were give 4 lots of small finger sandwiches, cucumber, egg and cress and two lots of pesto and tomato.

We were told eventually we could have more sandwiches (we didn't know this as it wasn't on the paperwork or the menu it was only when a waiter mentioned refill on sandwiches and tea not scones or cakes). One small scone again no choice they had fruit in and no plain ones offered like some places. Not strawberry jam but blackberry jam and limited clotted cream, one pot of each to share!

The mini cakes were OK but they were mini. The tea I ordered was chocolate tea and unusual but nice and my husbands Earl Grey was OK too. Overall if it wasn't a present from my husband for my 40th birthday used for our 8th anniversary I wouldn't of paid to have it especially at the prices they charge. I dont think it's one I could recommend or go back and experience again which is a shame as the overall hotel is lovely but way too pricey for the average person wishing to have a treat and get moneys worth.

Over several years we have had at least 4 afternoon teas here but the latest tea was by far the best. We had proper cornish cream, not the sweetened wipped stuff they usually serve and endless sandwiches. 10 out of 10 for this visit.

This is our third stay, and again really nice experience. The staff are really attentive & helpful, nothing was too much trouble. We like that you can just sit in lounge with book & a cup of tea & relax. We had lovely feature room with view to back, spotlessly clean & comfortable. The spa is a real treat, heated outdoor pool & spa treatments are enjoyable.

So the food, it is one of the reasons we come back. Really good breakfast sets you up for the day, try the full English. The evening meal is first class, menu alters slightly each evening & beautifully presented, and tasty. The grounds and gardens as well as proximity to beach, make for a secluded spot with great walking. Would recommend as great value, you do get what you pay for has been our experience on our visits.

Had a lovely afternoon tea here. staff were very polite and friendly, we had a large array of sandwiches, scones and cakes. lovely tea too! Would highly recommend for a special occasion!

Had afternoon tea which was very nice. Would have been amazing if I could have had skimmed milk for the tea but as they don't provide it had to make do with black coffee. Also a constant stream of people walking through the room to go outside letting the door bang shut.

Fantastic ambience at a quiet location with easy access to the sea and countryside. Very dog friendly and housekeeping and reception staff are effective and friendly.

Beautiful setting and staff were great, however was extremely disappointed to find that on a Sunday they do not offer a roast or any specials, only a set menu option. this was not made clear at the time of the booking. Food was delicious but portions were so small. Luckily we ordered the side orders of veg as were informed that our mains came with veg, which in fact was a tiny leaf of kale hidden at the bottom and the celeriac on top (which was gorgeous) but not in my opinion a reasonable portion of veg to be served with a main course. Having had this booked for me as a birthday treat and the first time that we had been out as a family since 2019 due to having had both of my children in that time and the joy of covid, you can imagine how disappointed I was to have to stop on the way home to grab something for dinner as we both left so hungry! This was supposed to be a day off cooking for me but to be honest I wish I had stayed at home and cooked a roast myself!

Afternoon tea was delicious but lacked any service once the tea was left in the table we never saw another member of staff. No one asked if we were enjoying the tea. No one asked if we wanted anything else. No one even bothered to come for payment we had to find reception and ask to pay. Overall 8 for the food, 4 for service.

Absolutely lovely spa day here as a birthday treat. A full body massage and a facial were booked treatments, and then full use of the two swimming pools, jacuzzis, steam room, gym and sauna. Facilities really nice and clean, with plenty of shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Also plenty of warm towels. Very relaxing. Only slight downside was changing room could have been a little bigger with an extra hairdryer. Lunch was slightly disappointing and a little overpriced.

Spa is really nice. Great staff, nice facilities. The restaurant is massively over priced for what it is, breakfast especially. 17.00 for a very average fruit salad? Quite staggering!

Magical hotel and spa. Glorious walks nearby and along the beach. Food is excellent. Spa services best I've experienced (must book in advance though). Very relaxing place.

A fantastic place, food incredible, our evening meal was without fault. The spa offered everything you need for a very relaxed day. A walk down to the beach to take in the views really sharpens the appetite. The room we had in the main building had so much charm.

Amazing hotel. The spa was very impressive two heated pools, jacuzzi and saunas. Food was perfect and very lovely customer service from everyone we dealt with. Can't wait to come back

The hotel, spa and grounds are beautiful beach is just a short walk. Service was exceptional. Food was good especially breakfast. Room was comfy, clean and well stocked. Unfortunately I hardly slept through the banging doors.

Went for afternoon tea for four. I found that you're paying for the nice surroundings, not the service or food. The food is nice, you get plenty of cakes and sandwiches but they are nothing special. They're tasty but for just the afternoon tea for four it cost over 100 and I expected better quality. They are just what you'd get anywhere else.

Service was so-so. I felt a little uncomfortable because although they weren't rude, I felt like they weren't really paying attention. It also got really hot, to the point of making me really sweaty and we were told they couldn't open the windows because 'i think they're locked'. I also ordered a gin, for 9, yes.9, and was given a small bottle of tonic water on the side which I did not ask for.

Nor did I drink it, I actually told them I didn't like tonic water and gave it back to them, it never occurred to me that they would then charge us an extra 3 on top of the 9 for it! Unfortunately we didn't notice until we got home. It was all just so underwhelming and soulless, if you ask to take the rest home, they give you a box so you can do it yourself.

I don't mean to sound unreasonable but I've never had a waiter bring me a box to pack my own leftovers, even in pizza hut they take it away and pack it for you. Not that I mind doing it, but considering how much we were paying, I thought it was odd. I think next time I'll stick to smaller venues where the service is better, the cakes are just as nice if not nicer, and the bill is alot smaller!

Excellent restaurant. Some rooms are well below the standard that you expect from such a place. Unfortunately, we were housed in one of those.

I'm here for what must be the 4th or 5th time for lunch. The food us really good and merits the Michelin star. What's great about lunch is that you can have a 2 course lunch for 20, although we always seem to end up paying for lots of extra treats!

Ockenden Manor, why aren't you closer to home? The gardens, the ambiance, the food. all perfect. Does it get better than dining on ox cheek and truffled cabbage in a gorgeous room from the 16th century? I came to Ockenden Manor for a company dinner. Having not done my research beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant holds a Michelin star, making it my first starred experience!

We had a three-course meal. This included, for me, poached salmon with quail egg and various greenery, the before-mentioned ox cheek with mash and truffled cabbage (let me just state for the record that I could stand to eat truffled cabbage every day for the rest of my life), and a small rhubarb cake with creme fraiche ice cream. If I had a car with which to easily make the trek back to Cuckfield, I would gladly go again and again. Oh, did I mention the truffled cabbage?

Ockenden Manor is a beautiful Elizabethan manor house situated Cuckfield village in West Sussex. It is a 22 room hotel set in 9 acres of stunning grounds, with views reaching out as far as the south downs. I cannot comment on the hotel itself but the restaurant is a great experience, being the only establishment to hold a Michelin star in Sussex. They offer the full al a carte menu plus a seven course tasting menu which we just couldn't refuse.

This included such delights as foie gras, scollops, lamb and lemon tart, an apple and calvados sorbet as a pallet cleanser plus the cheese trolley and coffee with a selection of petite fours if you still have room! They also have a huge wine list and the staff are happy to offer recommendations. Be careful to check the price of these though as a glass of wine suggested to compliment the the foie gras put an extra 10 per head on the bill!

The tasting menu is expensive but worth it for a special occasion or if you are just feeling flash! The restaurant is comfortable and unpretentious but I feel the whole experience can be slightly bettered at places such as Gravetye Manor which doesn't have a Michelin star.