in·ter·lude \ ˈin-tər-ˌlüd
A period or event that comes between two others and is different from them
RESTAURANT INTERLUDE
Set in the historic Grade I listed woodland gardens of Leonardslee Estate, Leonardslee House is home to contemporary Michelin star dining destination, Restaurant Interlude in Horsham, West Sussex.
Since attaining its prestigious Michelin star in 2019, accompanied by three AA rosettes added to its honours since 2020, Restaurant Interlude has continued to deliver an extraordinary dining experience and has retained its Michelin star and AA rosettes year on year.
At Restaurant Interlude, Executive Chef Jean Delport and his dedicated team have one mission: to bridge the gap between nature and cuisine. With an ever-changing set menu, Restaurant Interlude draws inspiration from the estate's gardens, its own vegetable garden, local farmers who uphold organic principles, and traditional produce. This approach builds a pantry through patient harvesting and preservation, offering a taste of nature's changing seasons.
The cuisine at Restaurant Interlude is a masterful blend of old and new techniques, all while maintaining profound respect for nature's rhythms and the ever-changing seasons, bringing the gardens to life within the restaurant.
Since its grand opening in October 2018, Restaurant Interlude has continued to refine and elevate its meticulously crafted menu and overall dining experience. In addition to the recently introduced boutique rooms, guests can also savour the newly renovated bar area, where cocktails are crafted with inspiration and ingredients sourced from the gardens, complimented by an extensive international drinks list for guests to enjoy.
LEONARDSLEE HOUSE
Originally built in the Italianate style c.1852 under the ownership of William Egerton Hubbard, this magnificent estate found new life in 2017 when it came into the capable hands of Penny Streeter, OBE. After 18 months of meticulous, multi-million-pound restoration work, Restaurant Interlude opened in late 2018, quickly earning the prestigious Michelin star within its first year, alongside the grand opening of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in 2019.
For art enthusiasts, the Art Gallery within the estate serves as a hidden gem, tucked just inside the entrance to Leonardslee House. Here, you'll discover an array of smaller artworks available for purchase and the opportunity to explore the larger pieces gracing the estate, all while gaining fascinating insights into the artists behind these creations.
The first-floor landing, overlooking the grand hall, features a windowed ceiling that bathes the atrium in natural light. This landing leads the way to boutique bedrooms, thoughtfully added in 2021, providing guests with the chance to elevate their experience and stay at Leonardslee House.
THE FINEST WOODLAND GARDENS
Grade I listed Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens sits atop a valley and boasts 240-acres of woodland gardens and series of seven stunning lakes. This magnificent Grade I listed gardens were nearly lost forever and have been the subject of the largest garden restoration in England, and quite possibly, all of Europe. Today visitors are welcomed to meander through a diverse collection of restored woodland and gardens, including the Rock Garden, Loderi Garden and Coronation Garden, where specimens from Sir Edmund Loder's prized cultivars thrive.
At the heart of this enchanting landscape, Executive Chef Jean Delport and his dedicated team forage ingredients from the gardens, harnessing the natural bounty it generously provides.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is a living masterpiece, its beauty ever transforming with the changing seasons. Each season brings forth a new spectacle, from the renowned spring gardens bursting with vibrant blooms to the breathtaking tapestry of autumnal hues. Scenic viewpoints dot the landscape, offering sweeping vistas that evolve harmoniously with the seasons, ensuring an ever inspiring and timeless experience.
Starting in 2024, Leonardslee House also opens its doors to celebrate the most special moments in life. As a breathtaking wedding venue, it promises to be the perfect backdrop for couples seeking to exchange vows in the embrace of timeless elegance and natural beauty.