Heading: Honoring Sustainable Excellence: Michelin Green Star Award for Restaurant Interlude
Restaurant Interlude, nestled within the enchanting ambience of our sister estate, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, has been honoured with the prestigious Michelin Green Star, marking a remarkable achievement unprecedented in West Sussex. This distinguished accolade underscores Interlude's steadfast dedication to sustainable practices and the crafting of ethically sourced seasonal delicacies, spearheaded by the acclaimed executive chef Jean Delport.
Acknowledging the restaurant's commitment to sustainability, the Michelin Star adjudicators lauded, "Securing both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star is no small feat, yet the Interlude team has achieved this commendably through their unwavering dedication to sustainable gastronomy."
Drawing inspiration from nature
Nestled within the sprawling 240-acre Leonardslee Gardens, Restaurant Interlude finds inspiration in its surroundings, sourcing a significant portion of its produce directly from the estate. From honey harvested from their seven beehives to sap extracted from birch trees, the restaurant endeavours to imbue its dishes with locally procured ingredients, resulting in a dynamic menu that evolves with the seasons while minimizing food wastage. With future plans for vineyards and orchards, the culinary journey at Interlude promises to remain deeply rooted in the estate's natural abundance.
This accolade marks the fifth consecutive year of Restaurant Interlude's attainment of the coveted Michelin Star, with the recent addition of the Green Star since its establishment in 2018. To achieve this distinction, restaurants must adhere to stringent criteria encompassing ingredient sourcing, waste management, resource efficiency, and communication of sustainability initiatives.
"Sustainability has been integral to Interlude's ethos since its inception. This accolade is a testament to the dedication of our talented team in curating unforgettable dining experiences while upholding environmental stewardship."
Leonardsless Lakes and Gardens
Chef Delport's seasonally inspired tasting menus offer guests an intimate connection to the flavours of the Leonardslee Estate, allowing them to savour the essence of each season through meticulously crafted dishes. From summer berries to autumnal mushrooms and winter preserves, the flavours on the plate reflect the rich tapestry of the estate's bounty.
At the helm of the kitchen, Chef Delport, the second South African chef to be awarded a Michelin Star at the age of 31, orchestrates multi-course dining experiences featuring estate-sourced ingredients. Leading a team of seven, Chef Delport's culinary creations are supplemented by produce from an onsite vegetable garden, chicken enclosure, and beehives.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the grandeur of Restaurant Interlude, offering panoramic views of the lush woodland gardens and sweeping vistas of the South Downs, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Michelin award also acknowledges Leonardslee Estate's efforts in restoring its historic edifices, including the Grade II Listed Leonardslee House, which features ten luxury en-suite bedrooms adorned with quintessentially British interiors, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship.
Penny Streeter and her design team from Johnston Parke Interiors prioritized sustainability in the restoration process, curating a selection of British-based suppliers and opting for antique furnishings to minimize environmental impact.
Visitors to Leonardslee can explore its vineyards, set to produce Sussex wines from June 2024, further enhancing the estate's allure as a destination for environmentally conscious diners.
Restaurant Interlude invites discerning diners to savor the finest offerings of West Sussex's natural bounty, with reservations available from Thursday to Sunday, offering panoramic views of the picturesque gardens and burgeoning vineyards within the restored mansion house.
