England: Experiencing Goodwood

Goodwood is considered one of the most beautiful stately homes in England. I had the pleasure to visit and explore it during a recent overnight stay. It’s within easy reach of London either by train or by car.

Perched at the foot of the Sussex Downs with fantastic views over the unique Sussex landscape, this estate is indeed breath-taking. The estate is set in 12000 acres and houses a very diverse conglomeration of elegant accommodation at the hotel and Spa as well as the very private The Hound Lodge. Goodwood also hosts exclusive sporting events; award-winning dining at The Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant and The Kennels showcases the organic produce and animals that are farmed within the estate under strict conditions.

The  farm has the first dairy herd to be entirely organically fed in this country. They raise rare and native breeds, some indigenous to the Estate so that they can offer the best tasting meats and dairy products. The animals are breed longer and slower pace and stays in their family unit. The cows live outside all year long and feed on the grass.

Goodwood is also the largest lowland organic farm in the country. The Goodwood house sits imposingly at the heart of the estate, and it has been the seat of the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon for over three hundred years and it remains the home to the current Earl and Countess of March.

Goodwood is renowned for organising spectacular events throughout the year, such as the Qatar Goodwood festival, a horse racing event held over three days,. They also host motoring events, the most famous being the Goodwood Festival of Light and Goodwood Revival. They also have two championship golf courses, flying and shooting facilities. Some guests arrive in style at the estate!

The Kennels at Goodwood

At sunset, there is nothing better than a gin tasting and nibbles at The Kennels, a clean and stunningly decorated private members club. In this very well preserved building, the Duke of Richmond’s fox hounds used to be kept, in the lap of luxury!

Goodwood Hotel

 

An overnight at Goodwood hotel is a very English experience, classy and luxurious. The rooms are very well appointed and stylish. They have all the amenities, and it was impeccably clean. The bed was very comfortable! The spacious and bright bathroom had a TV next to the bath. What else do you need?

Oh Yes, the breakfast was excellent too all produce from the farm and locally sourced.

The Farmer, Butcher, Chef  restaurant at Goodwood

The food in the hotel restaurant is creative and lovely presented. The Farmer, Butcher, Chef is the place to sample some of the best ingredients and produce from the Goodwood farm, they take their fare seriously.

The name of the sustainable restaurant comes from the collaboration between the farmer, the butcher and the chef.

One unique selling point about The Farmer, Butcher, Chef is that they serve unusual and rare cuts of meats, taking their customers into a gastronomic adventure. The farmer, the butcher, the chef and the staff are involved in the development and design of the menu. It’s a collaborative effort to eliminate wastage and showcase the best of the land each week.

Some of the wonderfully tasty bar snacks at The Farmer, Butcher, Chef are all dishes that are prepared from scratch at the premises using the produce from their farm.

Menu Bar Food at The Farmer, Butcher, Chef at Goodwood

On the menu expect the comforting  Charlton Rarebit on Sourdough,  beer nuts, seasonal crisp,  delicious Crisp Ox Tongue and Rosemary Ketchup (made in the premises)  and
juicy Spiced Lamb Kidneys Kebab and Crispy Onions

 

 

Their traditional farmhouse handmade cheeses, ales and lager tasting was an excellent display of a delicious range of cheeses made in their Cheese Room with their organic milk. The Charlton is very rich and creamy, and yet, a firm-textured cheese with a sharp finish. The Levin Down is an intense and creamy soft white cheese. Last but not least, the Molecomb Blue is an award-winning blue-veined cheese which is a robust, full-flavoured grey crusted cheese that won a gold star at the Great Taste Awards.

Goodwood Home Farm produce award-winning organic ale and lager, using their own organically grown hops and malted barley, for an individual and well-balanced taste.

Dinner at The Farmer, Butcher, Chef

We tasted the 3 boards on the menu, the meat is very juicy, melt in the mouth and super tasty. The accompaniment was fresh and well seasoned. All meat is reared in the home farm organically. The team oversees the whole process from farm to fork.

My starter was de beautifully presented  Baked Scallop, Broad beans, seaweed and brown shrimp butter, a  seafood delight.

 

Butchers’ pork board: Larded Loin of Pork, Crispy Belly, Sticky Baby Back Ribs, Spiced Pig Tail and White Bean Stew, Pigs Ears, Kale, Apple and Beetroot Slaw

Butchers’ Lamb board: Lamb four ways, Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Devilled Liver, Lamb Faggots, Lamb Bacon, Confit Tomatoes, Roasted Courgettes and Runner Beans

 

Show stopper: Rhubarb and Ginger Baked Alaska it was a very generous portion, the light  sponge cake with a substantial slab of ice cream topped with a indulgent baked meringue was a fantastic way to finish dinner.

Staying at Goodwood is a truly rich and delicious gastronomic experience.
Highly recommended. Book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Getting to Goodwood

Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX
01243 755000
[email protected]

By Road
From London

Follow the A3 (Junction 10 on the M25) south towards Guildford. About 3 miles past Guildford, at the Milford turning, take the A283 to Petworth, then the A285 to Chichester for about 6 miles. A beautiful drive!

Rail services

Regular service from London Victoria to Chichester takes about 1hour 40 minutes). There is also a coastal service from Portsmouth and Brighton. Buses or taxis are available at Chichester Station.

PIN FOR LATER : GOODWOOD

Disclosure: I was a guest of Goodwood for review purposes. All opinions are my own.