A HOTEL is celebrating after being awarded a prestigious four rosettes from the AA, writes Karen Goodwin.

Gravetye Manor Hotel in East Grinstead already has a Michelin Star and this new accolade sets it among the best in the British Isles in a new guide revealed by the AA.

The AA said: “Expect a modernist style that explores creative combinations of flavour and textural contrasts, starting with the roasted Norfolk quail.”

The modern interior is styled to contemporary tastes and the menu is overseen by chef George Blogg who “showcases his dynamic British cooking, and the results have brought wow factor in spades”.

George said: “Receiving the four AA rosettes is a big deal to us. They represent benchmarks in quality.

“The challenge and focus for us is the cooking every day to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests. Any accolades achieved are a result of rising to this challenge.”

Newly designed in 2018, the dining room is housed in an Elizabethan mansion which dates back to 1598. The restaurant overlooks the 17-bedroom manor’s landscaped gardens, which include an extensive kitchen garden.

The AA said restaurants of this standard will have “intense ambition, a passion for excellence, superb technical skills and remarkable consistency”.

Gravetye Manor Hotel was among 140 new entries picked for The Restaurant Guide 2020 which highlights all the restaurants awarded coveted rosettes by AA inspectors.

Other notable awards went to the Ritz Restaurant in London, Kerridge’s Bar and Grill at Corinthia Hotel, London and Chapter One in Bromley, Kent.

The 27th edition features 2,000 eateries, chosen for their “culinary excellence”.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA hospitality and hotel services, said: “We are pleased to see the hospitality industry going from strength to strength, with over 140 new dining destinations being added to The Restaurant Guide 2020.

“The establishments in this year’s Guide demonstrate the high quality of culinary experiences across the country, offering delicious food and impeccable service.”

The Restaurant Guide 2020 is available for £16.99 in bookshops and online

One rosette goes to restaurants achieving standards that stand out in their local area featuring food prepared with care and good quality ingredients.

Two rosettes – the best local restaurants, which aim for and achieve higher standards.

Three – outstanding restaurants that achieve national recognition. The cooking will be underpinned by the highest quality ingredients, supported by intuitive service and a well-chosen wine list.

Four – among the top restaurants in the UK where the cooking demands national recognition. These restaurants will have intense ambition, a passion for excellence, superb technical skills and consistency.

Five – the pinnacle, where the cooking compares with the best in the world. These restaurants will have “highly individual voices, exhibit breathtaking culinary skills and set the standards to which others aspire, yet few achieve”.