VINE & DINE

New Restaurant And Wine Lounge At Mannings Heath

A new restaurant and wine lounge will be officially launched at the Mannings Heath Estate this April.

The Vineyard Kitchen and The Wine Lounge have been introduced to broaden the estate’s appeal beyond that of golf members and to make it more inclusive.

Managing Director Barry Anderson said: ‘The challenge we have is conveying to the wider public that everyone is welcome here. For more than a century, the venue has been inextricably linked to golf and perceptions don’t change overnight. We have tried to be accessible, but non-members never felt completely comfortable coming here, as the first thing they saw when they walked in was an Honours Board and club shop. Those who did order something to eat or afternoon tea would occasionally find themselves sharing the space with golfers. It wasn’t fair on anyone, so we have addressed that through an extensive refurbishment, creating a clearer definition of the space.’

Vineyard Kitchen

Anyone visiting the Vineyard Kitchen will now find that the Honours Boards has indeed been relocated, and no golf trolleys are parked in the entrance hall! One feature that has survived the refurbishment is a propellor from a Halifax bomber, which crashed on the 14th green during the Second World War. It is now surrounded by colourful paintings and photography, as well as striking sculptures by Anton Smit, whose work is also displayed at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. The dining area offers fantastic views of the golf course, but it no longer feels like a clubhouse.

The Vineyard has a lunch menu from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with last orders at 3pm, and roast dinner is served on Sundays. Diners can pick from a selection of small plates including grilled beef with rice noodles, tuna Niçoise, chicken bowl with guacamole, pappardelle with Tuscan sauce, and chicken ballotine with butternut puree. Dishes are individually priced, although sharing is encouraged, with three costing £25.

Emma Hodges, Wine Experience and Sales Manager, said: ‘We offer good food done well, and there’s a strong focus on fresh, local produce. We have a flexible approach, so guests can share several dishes, order just one or two, or perhaps enjoy one of our desserts. This is a great place for families to visit, as we’re child and dog friendly. On Sundays, we see lots of people walking along the rural footpaths nearby, like at Roosthole, and we’d like to see some more of them coming here for a fantastic roast. We have beautiful views from the restaurant, especially in summer when we can open up the outside terrace.’

The Wine Lounge

One reason behind the changes is the growing importance of wine to the Mannings Heath Estate. The Wine Lounge, in a room previously occupied by the pro shop, has a relaxed décor, with sofas providing the comfort and Champagne riddling racks giving an aura of authenticity. The room can be used to host a wide range of tastings and events, as well as private functions and occasions.

The Lounge offers a tasting menu (£30pp) with four small dishes, each paired with wines from the Benguela Cove Estate. The dishes include