Tillingham

The story

Tillingham, Hastings: Modern British Dining at a Biodynamic Farm & Vineyard

Tillingham

Set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands in the East Sussex countryside, Tillingham is a working farm, vineyard, and restaurant. The estate, which dates from the 13th century, sits on Dew Farm in Peasmarsh, with far-reaching views along the Tillingham River valley towards Rye and the sea. It is a place where the produce of the land—from the vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland, and livestock—drives everything on the plate and in the glass.

The restaurant’s philosophy is progressive, blending modern scientific knowledge with ancient traditions and best practice from millennia of farming and winemaking. The kitchen, led by Head Chef Adam Swain and Executive Chef & GM Tom, focuses on simply prepared ingredients sourced from the farm and the local area. Pastry Chef Maisy Bull brings creativity to the dessert menu, drawing inspiration from the garden and working with seasonal ingredients like grilled nectarines for choux buns. The cooking is Modern British in style, grounded in the landscape and the rhythms of the farm.

This commitment to holistic, biodynamic farming and a deep connection to the land has earned Tillingham a Michelin Green Star. The recognition is a natural fit for a place that aims to restore soils and farm in a diverse, poly-cultural way. Dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday, with à la carte lunch on Fridays and Saturdays, and a Sunday roast. The bar also serves pizza Wednesday to Sunday.

Beyond the dining room, Tillingham is a natural and biodynamic wine producer. The winemaking team, led by Wine Manager Tierney Beames, crafts wines that reflect the unique terroir of the estate. Guests can book tours and tastings to explore the vineyards and cellars. The converted hop barn offers eleven unique rooms for those who wish to stay, and the farmstead provides a relaxed setting with a terrace, bar, and wide-open spaces.

Whether you come for the wine, the food, or simply to escape to a hidden corner of the Sussex Weald, Tillingham offers a genuine sense of place.