We tried one of Sussex's Michelin star restaurants and it provided a gastronomic experience which was truly amazing. South Lodge hotel in Horsham features three bespoke restaurants, Camellia, a diner with three AA Rosettes and a seasonal menu, Botanica, a dairy-free and health-focused Mediterranean-inspired restaurant using South Downs produce, and The Pass, an intimate restaurant with a deluxe tasting menu. The Pass is led by chef Ben Wilkinson and was awarded a Michelin Star as well as four AA Rosettes in just seven months.
Ben reopened The Pass in August 2022 after leading The Cottage in the Wood in the Lake District as head chef. We were invited to try the seven-course tasting menu curated by Ben, featuring a range of rich and flavoursome dishes. The restaurant is next to the kitchen, which is surrounded by glass panels for guests to watch their dishes being meticulously constructed.
Ben Wilkinson, head chef at The Pass (Image: The Pass) Upon arrival, we were greeted by Monika Zurawska, who leads the front of house team and looked after us for the evening. To start, we requested a dry white wine recommendation and were poured a glass of ‘Thymiopoulos’, a 2023 Greek wine and a new addition to the restaurant’s extensive list, which was refreshing and crisp, a perfect accompaniment to the evening’s dishes. First up on our tasting journey were canapes.
The dishes were brought to the tables by the chefs from the kitchen and head chef Ben himself presented us with the f.