Ockenden Manor
| Company type | Hotel and restaurant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | Late 1500s |
| Headquarters | Cuckfield , England |
Area served | West Sussex |
| Owner | Historic Sussex Hotels |
Ockenden Manor is a manor house from the Elizabethan period located in Cuckfield, West Sussex, England. It currently functions as a hotel and dining establishment managed by the Historic Sussex Hotels group.
History
Since 1987, Historic Sussex Hotels has overseen the operations of Ockenden Manor. This Grade II* listed property originates from the late 1500s, with extensions added during the early 1600s and again in 1858.
The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2001 under the leadership of chef Martin Hadden, who departed shortly afterward to establish The Priory House. After losing the star in 2002, it was reacquired in 2004 and maintained continuously until 2016 while Stephen Crane served as head chef.
In 2009, the establishment appeared on BBC Two’s series Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, highlighting the use of regional produce.
The staff have actively participated in the esteemed Roux Scholarship. Notably, former head chef Martin Hadden secured the award in 1989 prior to joining Ockenden Manor. Matthew Tomkinson earned the scholarship in 2005 during his tenure at the restaurant, while Vincent Fayat (2006) and Mark Charker (2012) advanced to regional finals.
As reported in June 2018, the Food Standards Agency assigned the hotel and spa a hygiene rating of 4 out of 5 – denoting Good standards.
Reception
Based on more than one hundred visits over ten years, Harden's restaurant guide consistently awards Ockenden Manor high marks. It grants a score of two (with one being top) for food quality, service, and atmosphere, commending chef Crane’s culinary offerings as "excellent." The restaurant holds three AA Rosette awards, signifying superior kitchen standards with a focus on refined technique, innovation, and harmonious flavors.