Fork Lewes

We had a feeling that we were slightly too late - should have gone a year ago, when it was not so established, or maybe we picked an off-day on a Tuesday evening … Food slightly under seasoned in places, bread starter with whipped butters left an oil-coated palate, service felt to us slightly rushed and superficial, maybe because we sat outside in October with the garden heaters on, but the venison main course was an absolute delight and highlight. Overall: ratio of value to price did not quite live up to our expectations - as we felt we have had more wow-factor in terms of food experience in other local “neighbourhood kitchens”.

Goodness gracious wow! My advice is challenge your self when eating here. Avoid the familiar and be bold. Genuinely the last time I had food like this was at the Windgrove. However based on the dishes I had, I would rate the Fork's residence chef's imagination as more ambitious even than the windgrove's excellent food. I had Beetroot carpachio with a surprising twist, an Alfristian chicken ballotine (with side honey and mustard glazed carrots) that allowed the delicate wild mushrooms to sing with all there heart, finally finishing with the most sublime gooseberry mousse on a ginger crumb base. Can I think of a criticism? well no it was just perfect. Decades of posh business dinners in London didn't deliver food half as good as this. Be warned though. This is superb nouvelle cuisine. If you're not used to it, want to hang on to the familiar, rather than adventuring with new tastes, then the portion sizes may worry you as they did me. However, fear not, the richness of the food and maybe the odd glass of Pinot Noir deliver a life experience that should be done but everyone at least once. Just wonderful wonderful wonderful what a chef! 😊.

Went to Lewes for a day while visiting Brighton, and found this hidden gem of a restaurant. For 30£ per person you can't find many three course meals this good in the UK. Cauliflower Veloute was so soothing and great for the cold weather. The Squash Risotto and the Fish were amazing + large which made as share the dessert afterwards, which was great too! Last but not the least, sitting at the bar and watching them cook was great and gave us ideas for our own Cauliflower Mash!

Absolutely stunning food and really lovely little restaurant, doing something very special in Lewes. The menu is small, but the chef clearly takes pride in making sure it's executed perfectly, from the taste down to the presentation. My partner and I went for 2 courses, plus a cocktail and some wine, everything we had was delicious. As well as the beautiful quality of the food, the staff were very welcoming and attentive. I'm looking forward to return time and time again. Keep doing what you're doing!