We’ve found the most peaceful, beautiful and enchanting house and grounds for this year's Valentine Secret Restaurant.

It’s called Tilton House, nestled underneath the South Downs and edged by woodland with far reaching views across the Sussex Weald, it was once home to John Maynard Keynes and ballerina Lydia Lopokova as their retreat for contemplation and calm.

We’re inviting you both to come, not only for dinner, but for the whole afternoon and evening - and, for the early birds, to stay the night in gorgeous rooms - so no driving and breakfast in bed!

We’ll be starting at 2pm, welcoming you to the house from which you can go exploring the downs. Charleston Farmhouse, home to the Bloomsbury set, shares the same private road, which winds into a network of footpaths that is The South Downs Way.

On your return we’ll serve Tiffin in the library.

If you take rooms, you can book a treatment or massage or just take a luxurious bath before coming down to a sumptuous four course dinner (see opposite). A wine list will also be available all afternoon and evening.

If you stay with us for the night (see below for more information) breakfast will be brought to your room in the morning to prolong the romance just a little longer before heading home.

To book: call Nicola on 07986 541894
Email: nicola@thesecretrestaurant.co.uk
Price: Afternoon tiffin and four course dinner £45.00 per head
Rooms: See below

Menu

(Four courses plus coffee)

To start

Pan fried chorizo and fresh oysters
or
Chipotle grilled haloumi with a caphirina sorbet (v)

Continuing ...

Pan fried red mullet fillet with steamed vegetables and a beetroot and tarragon consommé.
or
Home made truffle and salsify ravioli on a celeriac and almond puree (V)

Main course

Rack of lamb with a sticky mojito marinade on skordalia with broad beans and mixed bean sprouts.
or
Dorset blue soufflé twice baked with delicate dauphinoise and pan fried Thai asparagus (V)

To share

Baked warm chocolate on tiffin biscuit, smooth coconut semi freddo and sticky apricot brandy brioche all served with iced dessert wine

Rooms at Tilton House

The house was completely redecorated in May 2007, and all 7 bedrooms were decorated using natural materials. Every room has plenty of character and all have views over either the Sussex Weald or Downs. The garden has many mature trees, you could sling one of the many hammocks and relax to the sound of birdsong. For the more energetic there is a tennis court hidden behind a row of ash trees. The firepit in a woodland clearing provides the perfect setting for spinning yarns and stargazing as night closes in. It's known that Lydia Lopokova the Russian Ballerina was inspired to dance on the lawns under the moonlight.

All rooms are available from Friday 13th February 2pm - Sunday 15th 10am

The Annexe has been tastefully furnished to include an elegant kitchen with table seating for up to 6, a sitting room with two large sofas, Sky TV and access to a library of DVD’s. The bathroom has under-floor heating and a spa bath and shower. The two bedrooms have views that either look out across fields to the Sussex Weald, or up over the Downs. A self contained wing of Tilton House available for £300 for the weekend. From Friday 2pm-Sunday 10 am. Includes breakfast.

White Master Suite overlooking the Sussex Weald and garden. En Suite Shower Room and a Super King Size Bed. £115 per night. Includes breakfast.

Mezzanine Room with Large Bathroom adjacent to it, compromising double shower and large luxurious bath £110 per night.
This rooms has views onto the garden and Sussex Downs. Includes breakfast.

Pond Room with private bathroom, Super Kingsize Bed and views onto the Sussex Downs £95 per night. Includes breakfast.

Treatments (book in advance only)

Suzy Daw | Yoga teacher works from Natural Bodies in Brighton
Anthea Mason | Acupuncturist works form Equilibrium in Lewes
Pheobe Tait | Tai Chi, Pilates.
Barbara Palloni | Holistic massage, Swedish massage, aromatherapy
Vicki Cooper | Thai Yoga massage from Equilibrium in Lewes

In addition to this we have very good links with the people at Equilibrium in Lewes, and can get most types of treatments requested.