Some of the world's most discerning restaurant inspectors have approved seven Sussex eateries.

West Stoke House, near Chichester, has won its first Michelin star while Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead and Ockenden Manor near Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, have both retained their one-star rating.

Four restaurants have won a Bib Gourmand in this year's Michelin Guide, for serving 'good food at moderate prices'.

The Real Eating Company in Western Road, Hove, and vegetarian restaurant Terre a Terre in East Street, Brighton, are joined for the first time this year by St Clement's in Mercatoria, St Leonards, and The Ginger Pig pub in Hove Street, Hove.

While the Bib Gourmands in Sussex have all gone to urban establishments, all three starred restaurants are rural retreats, housed within the walls of grand country hotels.

Gravetye Manor is just 30 miles from Hyde Park Corner, but sits within one thousand acres of forest.

It has boasted a Michelin Star for the past decade.

West Stoke House, once part of the Goodwood estate, was a private home before owners Rowland and Mary Leach bought it in 2000.

Rowland had sold his TV post-production company in London and the couple were looking around for a property to convert into a hotel when they came across the Georgian property.

They spent two years on renovations before opening five years ago, and have since collected an impressive array of awards for their 'restaurant with rooms'.

Rowland said: "We attract a lot of people on weekend breaks from London, Southampton and Brighton, who want to escape to the countryside.

"My inspiration was the Babington House, the country branch of private members club Soho House in London, and by Robin Hutson and Gerard Basset, who set up Hotel du Vin."

The menu, like the decor, is modern English. It follows the trend for local produce with the fish brought ashore at Portsmouth and organic chocolates hand-made by a firm near Midhurst.

Food at the Ockenden Manor is also sourced locally - as is the head chef.

Stephen Crane, who grew up in the nearby village of Balcombe, sources 90 per cent of his ingredients from Sussex suppliers.

He said: "I try to buy the best ingredients I can. Our suppliers pick out the best for us and they're quite proud to supply us.

"All the basics are fresh and we cook very simply."

He does not fear visits from the mysterious Michelin inspectors, who are careful to preserve their anonymity.

He said: "I look forward to it. We want people to come in and test us. We are always looking to try to impress."

Just 107 British restaurants hold a prestigious Michelin star, which are awarded to establishments which are 'very good in their category'.

A further 12 have two stars but just three hold the highest accolade, including Gordon Ramsay's in Chelsea. The others - The Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck - are in both in Bray-on-Thomas in Berkshire.

There have only ever been five Michelin-starred restaurants in Sussex. In Seventies Brighton there was the esteemed La Francais, now closed. The Sundial restaurant in Gardner Street, Herstmonceux, also had a Michelin star for three years until 1982.

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