Call me crazy, but nothing makes me happier than a Sunday afternoon spent in the kitchen cooking up a roast dinner for my nearest and dearest. It takes me back to Sundays that were all about spending time together around the table, eating comforting food, and catching up on the weekend’s adventures before the start of a new week.
That being said, sometimes I just need a Sunday that feels easy. No rushing, no overthinking – just good food, good wine, and the kind of setting that makes you forget those looming thoughts of the office tomorrow morning.
That’s exactly what we were hoping for when we headed out of Brighton and into the Sussex countryside for a roast at Artelium Kitchen, the restaurant on the Artelium Wine Estate – and thankfully, they delivered.
What you’ll love
- A proper Sussex countryside escape at Artelium Wine Estate
- Seasonal dishes showcasing local produce (including ingredients grown on-site)
- A classic roast done properly – crisp, juicy, and generously portioned
- Standout wines (the Blanc de Blancs is a brilliant opener)
- Warm, relaxed hospitality in a beautifully designed space
A short trip from Brighton, this is the kind of Sunday you’ll want to repeat.
First impressions
A short drive (or in our case, a train ride followed by a taxi) brings you to Artelium Wine Estate, set among the rolling hills of the Sussex Downs. Artelium Kitchen has a barn-like feel thanks to its beautiful ceiling of exposed wooden beams. It’s smart but not stuffy; polished without feeling formal.
As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the warmth of the log-burning fire and delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. We immediately knew we were in for a treat. That afternoon, we settled in, relaxed, and looked forward to being well looked after.
Drinks to start
Naturally, we started with drinks and, after much deliberation, a glass of the Blanc de Blancs sounded like a good way to kick things off. Crisp and refreshing, with a smooth, biscuity note and the finest bubbles, it’s the perfect opener to get you ready for the tasty things to come.
Starters worth lingering over
The menu celebrates seasonal, local ingredients, featuring some of the best produce Sussex has to offer. For starters, I chose the Jerusalem artichokes, which are grown on site. The initial crunch of the crispy baked artichokes gave way to a creamy middle that felt rich and comforting. Pickled quince cut through the earthiness, adding sharpness and balance.
My dining companion opted for the juniper-cured salmon. The salmon itself was delicate, with the juniper adding a subtle aromatic note rather than overpowering the plate. Horseradish yoghurt brought a mellow heat, while little pops of zingy freshness came from the lemon gel. Brioche croutons added crunch and texture. Both plates were incredibly well thought out – every mouthful more enjoyable than the last.
The main event: Sunday roast perfection
So, on to the main event. We both went for the roast chicken – a classic choice, but one that really shows whether a kitchen knows what it’s doing. Thankfully, Artelium Kitchen absolutely does.
The chicken was juicy and full of flavour, with crisp skin and no dryness in sight. The roast potatoes were spot on: perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Definitely moreish, so I was delighted to see three chunky spuds on my plate.
The vegetables were equally impressive – nothing limp or soggy in sight. The cavolo nero still had bite, while the Brussels sprouts (enough to convert even the biggest sceptics) were crisped until nutty and caramelised. The carrots were roasted and sweet without being soft or overdone.
In addition to the juicy chicken breast, there was a little chicken leg croquette – crispy, breadcrumbed, and well-seasoned. Dare I say it: it tasted like the fanciest nugget I’ll ever eat. A lovely extra that made the roast feel that bit more elevated.
Sides and wine pairings
I’m a firm believer that no roast is complete without a cheeky side dish, so we had to order the pigs in blankets. These were proper – generously sized sausages wrapped in bacon, cooked until sticky and rich. A drizzle of cranberry sauce added sweetness, while crispy bacon and onions scattered over the top delivered extra crunch. Each bite felt deliciously indulgent.
With lunch, we enjoyed their Chardonnay – a far cry from the slightly old-fashioned, over-oaked versions this grape has become associated with. Artelium’s Chardonnay is bright, smooth, and dangerously drinkable; a wine that complemented the food perfectly.
Dessert done right
To finish, we shared sticky toffee pudding – a classic Sunday treat and the very best way to end a roast. The first bite was soft sponge drenched in a warm, glossy toffee sauce: rich but not overly sweet, and lightened by smooth vanilla ice cream. Despite the generous portions, not a crumb was left in the bowl!
“A Place To Congregate”
The name Artelium blends ‘art’ and ‘ium’ – the former showcased throughout the tasting room, the latter taken from Latin to suggest “a place to congregate” – which Artelium really is. It’s an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life: a place to relax and focus on the now, obviously helped along by some wonderful food and wine.
While I might not have enjoyed my usual Sunday ritual of cooking this week, lunch at Artelium Kitchen was a welcome alternative – a roast so spectacular I could consider hanging up my apron for good.
Ready to plan your visit?
Book a table for Sunday lunch at Artelium Kitchen – perfect for a relaxed roast, a wine tasting, or a fabulous feast with friends.
