The Pass by Ben Wilkinson at South Lodge
I was invited to The Pass by Ben Wilkinson at South Lodge in Horsham by my wonderful friend Richard Vines, the former Chief Food Critic for Bloomberg. I arrived earlier than the dinner booking, so that we could walk the vast 92-acre grounds. However, we got sidetracked and eed, what was both of our dream waterside properties. Rich was overnighting in newly built The Reeds -The Lakeside Lodges, a cluster of very private, two-bedroom lodges, which were completed in August this year. They are stunning! More about that later. Let’s talk about The Pass:
The Pass by Ben Wilkinson at South Lodge in Horsham is a one Michelin star restaurant, and the food photo online shows why they have gained and retained their star. Michelin food is food that is hard to replicate at home. The skill, process, and dedication to source unusual yet seasonal ingredients and harmonising every mouthful perfectly, can be out of the reach for most home cooks. The dishes I have been fortunate enough to taste, have looked like art on a plate and made with the lightest touch. There is also the time needed to produce each accompanying element, hence, what may seem like a heavy price tag for a meal.
They are stunning! More about that later. Let’s talk about The Pass:
Richard Vines at Ben Wilkinson at The Pass South Lodge
Ben Wilkinson at The Pass is located to the left of the imposing hotel entrance. The glass panel to the left of the restaurant’s entrance is very instagramable, it has Ben Wilkinson at The Pass etched into the glass. Richard and I stopped there and posed for a photo, see above, my body dysmorphia is raging so I cropped myself out. When you enter the dining area you are greeted by the wonderful Monika, who has the broadest and warmest smile. I sat on the long bench overlooking both kitchens, I was in my element . The Pass kitchen which was to my left and the main restaurant’s kitchen which is called the Camellia Restaurant was straight ahead.
The menu
What we ate is shown below and I have inserted the photo for each course for you to see the detail and skill that is incorporated in each dish. Ben and his team are artists. The menu changes often, however, if you are going soon and don’t want any spoiler alerts please navigate away.
Sample seven-course dinner menu
Snacks
Snacks
Langoustine (above)
cauliflower – almond – grape sea beet
Celeriac
beef fillet – smoked emulsion royale – beef cheek – hen of the woods – truffle
Day Boat Turbot
leeks – winter chanterelle – agretti Ridgeview sparkling – N25 Oscietra
Wild Fallow Deer
roast loin – liver dumpling – beetroot – red wine spiced sausage – bitter salad – hazelnut dressing
Cheese Trolley
supplement 20.00 for 3 cheeses additional cheeses 5.00 each
Blackberry
lemon thyme – yoghurt – Chartreuse
Chocolate Délice
hazelnut – vanilla – Pedro Ximénez
The seven-course tasting menu is £145 per person.
Five glass wine pairing from £95 per person
My photos of Ben, a few of the team members left after a long chat too Rich and I.
I have pasted a photo from the Instagram page of the restaurant for you to see the whole team:
Thank you to all the wonderful team at The Pass, your service and food were a memory for life, And a massive thank you to my wonderful friend Richard Vines who invited me as his plus one. We talked we belly laughed and we caught up, we had a lovely conversation with a wonderful couple at the table next door to us (have a look at their 5* holiday home). It was a wonderful memory for life evening, thanks, Rich.
I haven’t forgotten, I did say I would fill you in on the lodges:
Click here to see the amazing video shot by the hotel of The Reeds
I love clever design, beautiful settings, and great finishes and The Reeds have them all in tasteful abundance.
The Reeds are bespoke and built sustainably with many eco-friendly features.
They are perfect for an anniversary memory or a family getaway. There is a downstairs king-size bedroom and the upstairs can be converted from a double to a twin and a child’s pullout can also be provided.
The bathroom runs almost the breadth of the lodge, there is a very large walk-in shower and a free-standing bath, and the WC is set separately behind a closed door.
The lounge is spacious and designed to bring the outside in in summer and the fireplace is the focal point in the winter months. The L-shaped sofa is set in front of a wall-mounted TV and above a recessed fireplace which will be cozy in winter. In summer the outdoors comes inside, with sliding glass doors open, it is so tranquil and calming. I love a double-volume ceiling and a beautiful staircase and The Reeds have both.
The kitchenette runs along the back wall with a kettle, a Nespresso machine, and a shelf with lovely teas and pods.
There is a sink and a bar fridge which has fresh milk in a glass bottle and a selection of drinks soft bottled drinks.
Rich had a complimentary half bottle of Ridgeview Sparkling Wine waiting on ice, from their neighbourhood vineyard.
The private sun deck had a large outdoor copper bath and ample seating for you and yours. The only way you can see the people on the deck is if you are swimming in the lake, you are not overlooked.
You can choose to have breakfast in the restaurants or a breakfast hamper can be delivered to your room. Once you open The Reed’s door I’m sure you will not want to leave your gorgeous haven.
The Lodges are set away from the hotel and you can call for a large electric golf style, enclosed buggy, that is spacious if you don’t fancy or can’t make the 10-minute walk back to the hotel.
If you are staying in the lodge you can gain access to the spa from 10 am on the day of arrival until 5 pm on the day you check out. A couple we were chatting to loved the spa area and came annually to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
The lodges are from £1,200 per night which includes breakfast and spa access.
There are always offers when you log onto hotels’ websites and currently, they have the Pass Dine & Stay offer whichincludes:
Stay for one night (excluding The Reeds)
Delicious breakfast or brunch
Seven-course Tasting Dinner at The Pass (ordinarily charged at £145 per person)
Spa access throughout your stay.
The prices start from £705 per room for two people sharing. All other extras such as drinks and spa treatments are chargedas taken.
If you are dreaming of an escape to the English countryside, I hope I have given you an option to consider that is within easy reach of London and the Home Counties. For those reading from abroad, with no current travel plans to come to the UK, I hope you have enjoyed the virtual escape and your travels will bring you to South Lodge soon.
