CELEBRITY Alex Proud has officially re-launched Stanmer House with the Source at Stanmer restaurant.

The Grade I listed Proud Country House Stanmer Park in Brighton was brought into the Proud Group in 2016 and has now been fully restored.

Next year a £3.75 million investment will start in the 20 hectares surrounding the house to restore the parkland and outbuildings and make the estate more accessible for cyclists, walkers and cars.

Three hundred invited guests – from local business leaders, trade associations, councillors and media representatives – joined owner Alex Proud for the official relaunch party.

He said: “I am delighted to be the new custodian of such an important heritage site in Sussex – the place where I grew up.

“In fact, my mother cried when I told her I’d taken on Stanmer – the love for this building and estate runs deep and I hope our customers old and new enjoy the changes and improvements we’re making front of house and behind the scenes.”

Head chef James Mitchell brings his new “farm to fork” approach to Proud Country House, having previously worked for The Savoy Hotel and Hilton Park Lane.

He said: “I believe in starting with the very finest ingredients, treating them with respect and letting the quality speak for itself.

“We have something for every palette – from light salads to beautiful on the bone rib of beef.”

Mr Proud, star of the popular Channel 4 series Four Rooms, took over after

pub operator Whiting and Hammond ended its five-

year involvement with the venue.

The Proud Cabaret founder was born opposite the Goldstone ground in Hove, lived as a child near North Road, Brighton, and has fond childhood memories of the 18th century manor house.

He is determined to make Stanmer House a success

but he previously told The Argus it would take time and he was determined not to rush.

He said: “Brighton really is an important part of our future and I see Stanmer House as a flagship building for the Proud Group.”