Michelin Green Star Award to Restaurant Interlude
Michelin Green Star Award to Restaurant Interlude's Sustainable Culinary Triumph
Restaurant Interlude, situated within our sister estate Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, has been bestowed with a prestigious Michelin Green Star, a commendation unprecedented in West Sussex. This esteemed recognition underscores Interlude's commitment to sustainable practices and the creation of ethically sourced seasonal delicacies, helmed by the masterful executive chef Jean Delport.
Michelin's Acclaim for Sustainability
The Michelin Star adjudicators remarked, "Securing both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star is no small feat, yet the Interlude team has achieved this commendably through their unwavering dedication to sustainable gastronomy."
Nestled within the expansive 240-acre Leonardslee Gardens, Restaurant Interlude draws inspiration from its surroundings, sourcing a significant portion of its produce from the estate itself. From honey harvested from their seven beehives to sap extracted from birch trees, the restaurant endeavours to infuse its dishes with locally procured ingredients, resulting in a dynamic menu that evolves with the seasons and minimizes food wastage. With plans for vineyards and orchards on the horizon, the culinary journey at Interlude promises to remain deeply rooted in the estate's natural abundance.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Restaurant Interlude has clinched a coveted Michelin Star, with the recent addition of the Green Star since its inception in 2018. To attain this distinction, restaurants must meet stringent criteria encompassing ingredient sourcing, waste management, resource efficiency, and communication of sustainability endeavours.
Owner Penny Streeter OBE.
"We are delighted to receive our inaugural Green Star," expressed owner Penny Streeter OBE. "Sustainability has been integral to Interlude's ethos since its inception. This accolade is a testament to the dedication of our talented team in curating unforgettable dining experiences while upholding environmental stewardship."
Leonardslee Estate
Chef Delport's seasonally inspired tasting menus offer guests an intimate connection to the Leonardslee Estate, allowing them to savour the essence of each season through meticulously crafted dishes. From summer berries to autumnal mushrooms and winter preserves, the flavours on the plate reflect the rich tapestry of the estate's bounty.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Delport, who, at the age of 31, became only the second South African chef to be awarded a Michelin Star. Leading a team of seven, Chef Delport orchestrates multi-course dining experiences featuring estate-sourced ingredients, supplemented by produce from an onsite vegetable garden, chicken enclosure, and beehives.
Upon arrival at Restaurant Interlude, guests are welcomed into the grand hallway before being seated in the restaurant, offering panoramic views of the lush woodland gardens below and the sweeping vistas of the South Downs.
In addition to recognising Restaurant Interlude's culinary excellence, the Michelin award acknowledges Leonardslee Estate's extensive efforts in restoring its historic edifices. Housed within the Grade II Listed Leonardslee House, the restaurant features ten luxury en-suite bedrooms adorned with quintessentially British interiors, emphasizing sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship.
Penny Streeter and her design team from Johnston Parke Interiors curated a selection of British-based suppliers, opting for antique furnishings to minimize environmental impact and collaborating with UK-based furniture makers. Visitors to Leonardslee can also explore its vineyards, set to produce Sussex wines from June 2024, further enhancing the estate's allure as a destination for environmentally conscious diners.
Restaurant Interlude beckons discerning diners to savor the finest offerings of West Sussex's natural bounty. Reservations are available from Thursday to Sunday, with seating commencing at 6:00 pm within the restored mansion house, offering panoramic views of the picturesque gardens and burgeoning vineyards.
