FOOD + DRINK
The Curlew , Bodiam
The Gingerman Restaurant , Brighton
La Locanda del Duca , Eastbourne
Romantic Restaurants
IN SUSSEX
Food and romance have long shared a unified history , coupling up cosily for dates , anniversaries , special occasions , and , well , just because . The term ‘ made with love ’ has never been more apt than when linked to gorgeous food and studies show that dishes made for and by a loved one actually taste better to those for whom they are intended ; it seems love can actually be tasted .
But , what ’ s even better than cooking food for someone you love ? Going out to a romantic restaurant with them , of course . Sussex has more than its fair share of places to indulge in a bit of gastronomic alone time – just you , your partner , and some fantastic food .
The Curlew , Bodiam www . thecurlewrestaurant . co . uk
Once upon a time , The Curlew was a coaching inn , and was a particularly unromantic place where weary travelers would stop for the night on their way to and from London . But times have changed , and what was once a pretty , but purely functional establishment has now become one of the most romantic places to eat in Sussex . The Curlew sits neatly amidst some of Sussex ’ s major towns including Hastings and Brighton , and it is close to the atmospheric and really rather lovely Bodiam Castle . Combine this sense of history and setting with a menu that consists of local delights such as wood pigeon with salt baked beetroot and pistachio ; stone bass with burnt cauliflower , parmesan gnocchi and roast chicken ; and the most decadent treacle tart you ’ ll have tasted , and The Curlew has all of the ingredients for a romantic meal out .
The Gingerman Restaurant , Brighton www . gingermanrestaurant . com
The Gingerman Restaurant in Brighton ’ s Norfolk Square is intimate and cosy . It ’ s the ideal place for a couple to enjoy an evening out together . The food here is uncomplicated and locally sourced ; created by a chef that understands that food needs to taste as good as it looks . Divine dishes include ballotine of rabbit with a duck liver parfait and poppy seed cookie ; monkfish with purple potatoes , leek puree , Jerusalem artichoke and a red wine sauce ; and blueberry parfait with lemongrass ice cream , pain d ’ epice and a coconut crisp . The Gingerman is the kind of place where a romantic ambience is encouraged through soft lighting and atmosphere – and it ’ s exactly where you should head for a midweek date night .
La Locanda del Duca , Eastbourne www . la-locanda-del-duca . com
Although perhaps not much to look at from the outside , La Locanda del Duca is a hidden gem and proof that you shouldn ’ t judge a book by its cover . This authentic Italian restaurant offers an enchanting place for lovers to be together in comfort , serving fantastic food and offering some of the most memorable dishes you could ask for – and for all the right reasons . Traditional , fresh Italian fare served up in this Eastbourne restaurant include gamberi con salsa piccante - king prawns deep fried in a light batter with chives and lemon zest and tossed in a spicy tomato sauce and chilli caramel ; fegato alla griglia con pancetta - calves liver grilled to order with thin slices of Italian dry cured bacon ; and bigné al cioccolato - indulgent profiteroles filled with chocolate patissiere and topped with chocolate sauce . Bliss .
33