Just beyond our stunning South Downs lies a quaint and colourful foodie haven, the refined yet relaxed Terra Restaurant at Tottington Manor. Known as one of Sussex’s premier wedding and event venues, Terra Restaurant boasts uninterrupted views of rolling hills, making it a year-round destination for food lovers seeking something special.
Not Just Any Restaurant
Tottington Manor isn’t only home to the newly renovated Terra Restaurant but also offers charming overnight accommodation for those craving a countryside escape. Just a stone’s throw from vibrant Brighton nightlife, and only 15 minutes by car (or Uber) from Shoreham-by-Sea, it’s the perfect quick getaway for locals who love exceptional food and tranquil country charm.
Private Dining? Yes Please!
The restaurant welcomes groups of almost any size. Whether it’s a cosy date night, a celebration with friends, or an unforgettable event planned alongside their dedicated events team, you can expect exceptional service every step of the way.
Did Someone Say Rosette?
Terra is quickly becoming a standout in the foodie world, with the AA closely watching their progress. Narrowly missing two rosettes last year, achieving this recognition in 2025 is their driving ambition. With laser-sharp focus on flavour, technique, and consistency, the passionate Terra team is committed to making this year their finest yet.
Start as You Mean to Go On!
On arrival, we received the warmest welcome from delightful Molly, the manager. Molly embodies everything you want in a front-of-house leader: effortlessly charming, attentive to detail, and skilled in silver service. She escorted us to our beautifully arranged private dining table, complete with a warming fireplace, atmospheric lighting, and cosy country charm.
Stellar Sussex Wines
Terra proudly showcases local produce, and their elegant wine list pays homage to Sussex’s exceptional vineyards, featuring standout selections from Albourne, Bolney, Henners, Plumpton, Ridgeview, Poynings, Chapel Down, and Hidden Spring. Molly recommended her personal favourite, a crisp and delightful Albourne Estate White Pinot Noir, delicious!
Stunning Starters
My husband and I love surprises, and we entrusted the chef with choosing the evening’s dishes. We began with Roasted Beets and Warmed Goat’s Cheese, a vibrant edible artwork featuring dehydrated beetroot crisps, micro herbs, colourful beetroot gems, whipped Chiddingfold goat’s cheese, and a rich olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade, beautifully balanced.
Next was my personal highlight: the fresh Crab Raviolo. Delicate homemade pasta generously filled with succulent crab and creamy ricotta, topped with fresh samphire and a deeply flavourful crab bisque sauce. This sauce alone is worth a visit.
We Love Surprises!
The lovely starters heightened our anticipation for the mains, and we weren’t disappointed. First came Terra’s Seafood Board, capturing the essence of the Sussex coast with fresh brown sourdough and seaweed butter, crispy tempura hake, spicy chilli king prawns, and an indulgent seafood stew served alongside crispy skinny fries.
Then we enjoyed the unique South Downs Parsnip Schnitzel, perfectly crisp golden parsnip atop fragrant rice and roasted root vegetable masala, finished with vibrant mint oil. Terra’s sauces were consistently outstanding, showcasing the chef’s skill in extracting maximum flavour.
Finish with a Flourish
Desserts were equally impressive, featuring local ingredients with pride. The Bury Bees Honey Steamed Pudding was soft, delicately sweet, topped with homemade honeycomb and edible flowers, subtle yet memorable.
The beautifully presented Madam Jennifer’s Lemoncello Cheesecake, served under a delicate glass cloche, offered ribbons of limoncello-infused cheesecake with fresh lemon zest and a perfect cookie-crumb base.
A huge thank you to Molly, Chef Chris, Stephen, and the entire Terra team for an evening filled with sensational food, flawless service, and delightful surprises. The crab raviolo is already calling me back!
