Winery Restaurant in Sussex

Located in the historic village of Alfriston, the Tasting Room Restaurant opened in the summer of 2018 when we launched the first vintages of our English Sparkling wines. Since then, we have been featured in the Michelin Guide and welcome guests from far and wide to the Sussex winelands. Headed up by Chef Chris Bailey, our goal is to create a relaxed and welcoming dining experience in our Vineyard restaurant, serving authentic British cuisine that pairs perfectly with our Sussex Sparkling wines.

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Reservations

Spring Dining at Rathfinny

New Menu

From 9th April, our regularly changing menu will feature a selection of delicious snacks, small and large plates and desserts, each thoughtfully chosen to pair with our Sussex wines.

We will also be open for longer hours, from 12pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations are advised but walk-in visitors are also welcome, subject to availability.

Whilst we will no longer serve evening meals, we are looking forward to hosting more Wine Dinner events.

Rathfinny Tasting Room Balcony Bar
Tasting Room Interior
Tasting Room Dessert

Seasonal Menus

Provenance and a sense of place feature in every menu, meaning ingredients don’t have to travel too far to reach your plate. Our menu changes regularly based on conversations with our suppliers and their seasonal recommendations.

Tasting Room at Rathfinny table for 12

Larger Groups

The Tasting Room has space to accommodate groups up to 12 people located at the end of the restaurant. Perfect for special occasions. Please call us to reserve.

“The upper floor of the Rathfinny Winery houses a narrow restaurant boasting lovely vineyard views (their sparkling wine is a must-try). Modern British cooking is guided by seasonal Sussex produce; lunch sees a concise fixed price menu, and dinner, a tasting selection.”

Michelin Guide

Chef Chris Bailey
Meet our Executive Chef

CHRIS BAILEY

A talented visionary, Chris trained at Westminster College and has worked in some of the top restaurants in London and Spain which culminated in being awarded a Michelin Star at The Black Rat in Winchester.

Chris joined the Rathfinny team three years ago to launch the Tasting Room restaurant and he now manages all dining experiences across the Estate. Inspired by produce and conversations with farmers and suppliers, he uses the seasons to guide his cooking, treating all ingredients with respect to keep the flavours clean and, most importantly, tasty.

View of Alfriston
A local treasure

A Restaurant in Alfriston

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Alfriston, let us welcome you to Rathfinny. Our wine Estate is located in one of the oldest villages in Sussex, most famously home to Alfriston Clergy House which was the first property purchased and saved by the National Trust.

Alfriston is frequently cited as one of Britain’s ‘prettiest villages’ to visit, known for its 14th century inns, independent restaurants, boutiques and stunning walking routes along the Cuckmere River.

Located within our Sussex Heritage award-winning Winery, the Tasting Room  offers breath-taking, panoramic views of the Vineyard and South Downs.

As a B Corp, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. The restaurant you sit in is powered by renewable energy and our Sussex Sparkling wines are produced in the Winery next door.

Our close proximity to the enchanting village of Alfriston means that you can easily explore the area during your visit to Rathfinny.

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Tasting Room Restaurant

OPENING HOURS

Monday - Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Sunday (January - March)
Open for lunch 12noon to 15:00
Wednesday - Sunday (From 9th April)
Open 12noon to 18:00
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FIND US

The Rathfinny Wine Estate is located 1.5 hours from London Victoria with nearby stations of Berwick and Polegate just a short taxi ride away. We're also very accessible from the seaside towns of Brighton and Eastbourne and just 7 miles from the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park.

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FAQs

Can I dine on the balcony?

The balcony will be open when the weather is suitable. Please note, all reservations are for indoors seating, but you are welcome to sit outside on the day if the weather allows and there is space.

What is your child policy?

We welcome well-behaved children in the Tasting Room who are happy to eat from the main menu with limited alterations. Please note, our balcony is not suitable for young children.

Are dogs allowed?

The Tasting Room is not suitable for dogs, but they are welcome on the Estate (on leads) and at The Hut.

Assistance dogs policy

We welcome Assistance Dogs.  We ask that you let us know beforehand if  you are bringing an Assistance Dog and we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs, but there may be certain areas where, or certain times when, a dog cannot visit, but in these circumstances, we will ensure the dog is safe and secure, and we will support you as our visitor to the best of our ability.  We reserve the right to refuse entry to dogs that are not well behaved.

What is the dress code?

We don’t have a formal dress code, though our visitors are usually dressed in a smart/casual relaxed way.

Can you cater for all dietary requirements?

A vegetarian option is always available on all our menus and we can cater for vegans and lactose-free diets on our lunch menu with advance warning.

If you have any queries about dietary requirements or allergies, please contact us directly or leave a note during the booking process.

Cancellation Policy

For all lunch bookings, we require guests to cancel their table at least 48 hours before the booking otherwise you will be charged £20 per head. You will also be charged for a no show.

Can we bring cake and balloons for a special occasion?

We do not permit guests to bring cakes or any other food items into the restaurant due to allergens. Please do let us know if a member of your party is celebrating a birthday and we can organise a candle in their dessert.

In terms of decoration, you are welcome to provide a singular balloon which can be attached to the chair of the birthday guest. This is to avoid disturbing other dining guests. Thank you for your cooperation.