A short drive from the seaside is the quaint village of Hurstpierpoint, which is home to some of the finest dining in Sussex. The Fig Tree is both welcoming and elegant, an ideal blend of country charm and big city finesse, and their 6 course tasting menu would impress even the most discerning palate. From the moment we walked into the dining room, we knew we were in for an exceptional evening of delicious dishes and impeccable service.
Located on the idyllic high street, and a short drive from Brighton over the stunning South Downs, The Fig Tree is a world away from the manic party energy of Brighton town centre. Relaxed and refined, Hurstpierpoint’s cobbled streets and well cared for homes are picture postcard perfect, and The Fig Tree fits it to a T.
A la Carte or Tasting Menu…decisions decisions
On arrival we were greeted by two smiling waitresses and shown to our intimate table. The dining space was open and warm, with plenty of space between diners and polished to a high shine. Our lovely server offered to take our coats, and welcomed us with menus and our choice of water. She explained our menu options, A la Carte or Tasting Menu, and handed us their extensive wine list, clearly refined by a talented sommelier.
Let’s Celebrate!
Tonight was a celebration of sorts for Hubby and I, as we had just hit our savings target and were ready to buy our first home! Most would celebrate with Champagne, but those in the know prefer a sensational Sussex sparkling like the Fig Tree Cuvee Blanc de Noirs. ‘Cheers my darling, to us!’
After a quick look at the menu we were tempted by The Fig Tree’s decadent 6-course tasting menu, we were celebrating after all! We decided against the wine pairing as hubs was driving, and it was a school night, but I will be back again to indulge very soon.
Exceptional canapés created by a pastry master
To begin we were treated by a trio of canapés that were delicate and delicious. The Fig Tree clearly has a talented pastry chef in their midst as every puff, tuile, cone and shell served throughout the meal were the ideal consistency. Flawless in technique and delightful to eat. The first was a delicate cone filled with light-as-air creamy chicken parfait with a fig jam, two bites of heaven.
Next was their adorable play on fish and chips served on a tiny newspaper. A single bite of puffed rice, fresh cod, pea puree and a hit of tartar served in an impossibly thin pastry cup, the flavour of a nostalgic seaside meal in a mouthful, delicious. Our final bite was a dainty gougère, a baked savoury choux filled with melted smoked cheddar, topped with a sweet pineapple ketchup, creamy and divine.
Loved by locals
As our waitress cleared our plates the room began to fill with more diners. Families celebrating a birthday, a couple on their anniversary, and a few older ladies having their monthly girls night catch up. I overheard each table explaining to their guests how much they love the menu, and that absolutely everything is always exquisite. High praise from very happy locals.
While we waited for our next course we were brought two beautiful domed rosemary brioche buns still warm from the oven. Deep brown and crisp on the outside and soft and light on the inside, served with home-made butter.
High praise from a head chef!
Next up was the Wild Mushroom, egg yolk, celeriac with black truffle, served in another perfectly executed pastry shell topped with crunchy morsels. Husband is a Head Chef, and he is always wary of a truffle dish as it can often be used in excess, but tonight he was all praise. ‘Now THIS is how truffle should be used, to hero the dish not overwhelm it.’ I couldn’t agree more, top marks from us both.
For the next course I ordered a glass of the Picpoul de Pinet, Beaugaran, delightfully crisp and one of my absolute favourite whites as it can hold up to bold flavours without being too over powering, ideal with fish, poultry, and seafood and ideal for our next two courses.
Balance at its best.
First the fish, a beautiful bright pink sea trout served rolled in soft herbs, with a dollop of fromage frais, and thinly sliced pickled beetroot, radish, and cucumber. The zest and vinegar elevated the dish and cut through the smooth richness of the fish beautifully, balance at its best.
Exceptional presentation and phenomenal flavour
Next the Guinea Fowl with a potato dauphinoise so thin and crisp it was like a creamy savoury mille-feuille. Art on a plate each dish was delicately assembled with absolute care and attention.
Rich butternut squash puree, braised savoy cabbage, and succulent guinea fowl served two ways, exceptional presentation and phenomenal flavour.
As we finished our main meal we were brought a selection of British cheeses, including a gorgeous black coal cheddar that I still dream about. Soft, hard, and smooth the selection was an ideal finish to our savouries.
Now onto dessert!
Just like my children, no matter how many courses I indulge in, there is always room for dessert, especially when it is a decadent chocolate, coffee, and almond Fig Tree speciality. Rich chocolate quenelle, sprinkled with crunchy almond praline and a drizzle of coffee.
To cleanse the palate, the penultimate course was a tart raspberry sorbet served with sweet pumpkin, caramelised white chocolate, served in a crisp and delicate tart shell that melted in your mouth. Refreshing, bright, and delicious.
Let’s finish on a high
Last but not least, the final bites of our extraordinarily decadent meal were a creamy white chocolate truffle filled with passionfruit coulis, and the most precious little hazelnut macaron you have ever seen. A perfect final flourish to an exceptional evening!
The Fig Tree, Hustrpierpoint is a dining experience that is contemporary in its flavours and techniques, and traditional in its Michelin star quality service and attention to detail. If you are looking for a truly remarkable meal in a beautiful restaurant, with outstanding culinary expertise, The Fig Tree is for you. Thank you for having us, the pleasure was all ours!
