Words by Samantha Harman
Stanmer Park happens to be one of my favourite places in Brighton, I am addicted to its endless rolling fields, secluded woodland, and clusters of candy floss-esque cherry blossom trees in spring. It is the perfect place for dog walking and lolling on the grass contemplating life. So when I discovered (see what I did there) that Chef, Russell Tisbury was at the helm in Stanmer House kitchen, knocking out his legendary Sunday Roasts I was chomping at the bit to visit for food related reasons. Arriving on Sunday evening with my perpetually starving teenage son, we entered the 18th century manor house that exudes glamorous reverence with its humongous ceilings, exquisite crystal chandeliers and oversized, original portraits that stared down at us from crimson walls. The open fires were lit, and the smoky scent of popping logs mingled with the delicious aroma of roast dinner.
We were seated and ordered without delay. Me, the slow roasted belly of pork and he, sirloin of beef. When I tell you the Yorkshire Pudding was so big you could wear it as a hat, I am not joking. The roasts also come with; garlic and herb roast potatoes, glazed beetroot and carrots, root vegetable mash, cauliflower cheese and buttered greens. The portions are generous as is the gravy offering. My pork belly came topped with perfect crispy crackling and my son’s beef was pink in the middle and melt in the mouth.
I have eaten Russell’s roasts before and can honestly tell you he has levelled up, not that he needed to. To finish we shared a sticky toffee pudding and ice cream as we were both full to bursting. This is my go-to dessert in winter. It was a delicately spiced, sweet, sticky bowl of heaven and the perfect end to an amazing meal. The roasts are just the start for Tisbury who will be launching some new food options, make sure you book a table as soon as humanly possible – Discover magazine will definitely be back, this is one of the best roasts in the city and the gorgeous surroundings make it worth the visit.
