A RESTAURANT which offered “Sussex’s best dining experience” is up for sale.

The Curlew Restaurant in Bodium won the title in 2012, 2015 and was a finalist in 2016.

It was also named the Restaurant of the Year in the Celebration of Sussex Life Awards 2018

But the award-winning venue is now set to change hands and is currently on the market for £495,000.

Sara Colley, who currently owns The Curlew with her husband, Mark, said: “It is with a heavy heart we leave The Curlew, having dedicated ten years into creating a nationally renowned dining destination.

“Our dream was to create one of the finest eating locations in the South East, and during our tenure we won a Michelin Star and numerous county awards, as well as countless applauds from industry critics and customers alike.

“We are excited to see how the next chapter of The Curlew’s life will unfold.

“Whether that’s casual dining, gastro pub or fine dining, The Curlew has many followers who will undoubtedly support the new owners.”

On its website, the restaurant owners say it provides “modern British dining for the modern British diner”.

It has a rating of four-and-a-half stars out of five on TripAdvisor, including 500 reviews which award it with a five star rating.

One diner said: “I have to say this is the best restaurant I have ever eaten in.

“Top quality food and a great ambiance, this was real quality.”

Another added: “ I love food and can honestly say it was one of the best meals I’ve had.

“It was imaginative and truly delicious with classic combinations of ingredients.

“My meal was perfectly cooked with some delectable additions that just added to the whole thing.

“Scallops with a bouillabaisse sauce and pickled vegetables, then duck, orange, potato, kohlrabi, foie gras and a side of cauliflower cheese and bacon.”

As well as the restaurant, which can seat 64 diners, buyers are also bidding for the three bedroom owner’s accommodation, trade garden and car park which is included in the Bodiam property.

The restaurant is being advertised by leisure property specialist Fleurets.

The company’s divisional director Nick Earee described the property as “occupying a prominent site, close to the villages of Sandhurst, Hawkhurst and Bodiam”.

He added that it was “also close to a number of visitor attractions including Bodiam Castle, Great Dixter House and Gardens and Bewl Water”.