Published on 1st April 2025

With Mannings Heath Golf Club having been a members-only venue for more than a century, it’s only natural that some visitors may approach with trepidation. 

Turning into the driveway that leads towards the striking pink clubhouse, which looks out across the majestic 1st hole of the Waterfall course, non-members might think twice about stepping inside. Is this the right entrance?

A striking ‘Faith’ sculpture by South African artist Anton Smit outside serves as a reminder that the golf club is now part of the Leonardslee Wine Estate, where an even bigger version of the sculpture graces the lawn of the historic house. Owner Penny Streeter purchased the golf club soon after acquiring the Grade I listed gardens in nearby Lower Beeding. In the foyer, smaller sculptural figurines are displayed alongside African-inspired art and photography, adding to the aura of exclusivity. Am I really allowed in?

However, Mannings Heath is more than just a golf club these days. An unfamiliar face not sporting golfing attire no longer attracts suspicious looks from irked members, but instead receives a friendly greeting at the Reception desk. With the venue now offering nine ensuite rooms at The Vineyard Hotel and with The Vineyard Kitchen serving brunch, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, there are many reasons to visit, although getting that word out remains a challenge, says Managing Director Barry Anderson.

‘It has been several years since we opened the restaurant, but we still regularly hear from people who do not know that they can come here and be welcomed. Mannings Heath was a members’ club for 100 years and that’s a lot of history for us to break down. However hard we try to spread the word, perceptions do not change overnight. I wouldn’t be surprised if a poll in Mannings Heath revealed that half of its residents thought that The Vineyard Kitchen was open solely to members. That isn’t the case. Since Penny bought the club, we have opened up the venue, welcoming anyone who wants to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner or tea in the restaurant, or a wine experience in our Tasting Room.’  

‘We know that Mannings Heath residents have long wanted a place to go out in the evening, as there isn’t a pub in the village, and we now offer them that. We have cleared an old path from Green’s Lane to the golf club that people can use, and even discussed operating a buggy service in the summer months, if the demand is there!’ 

LIGHTER BITES

The Vineyard Kitchen team is led by chef Kelly Pietersen, who previously worked at Lakeside Lodge & Spa, a 5-star venue in the Wilderness National Park at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in South Africa, also owned by Penny Streeter. After four years at the Lodge, Kelly was invited to join Penny at Leonardslee when the gardens re-opened to the public in 2019. She ran the Clockhouse Café while husband Karl was assistant manager of the gardens. When the gardens closed during Covid, Kelly moved to Mannings Heath, helping to establish The Vineyard Kitchen. 

She said: ‘When I started at the golf club in 2021, we were offering just a takeaway service. Slowly, we welcomed back the golfers and since then, there have been many changes to the layout and the food service at The Vineyard Kitchen. The hotel opened two years ago, so it was important for us to offer a dinner service. In the Horsham area, there are very few places that serve a good brunch menu, so we decided to introduce an all-day brunch and lunch menu too. As well as hotel guests, we have golfers who want something more substantial than what is available at the Spike Bar, people coming here for meetings, and also groups of friends who like the atmosphere.’

‘Catering for such a varied clientele isn’t easy. Some people do not want a big meal – like a burger or sirloin steak – in the middle of the day, so we offer lighter meals that are more affordable. We have found that the range of options appeal to a lot of people. One gentleman loves to come and chat to the staff while enjoying an omelette, while we have a group of ladies who regularly grab a bite to eat and play chess. There is a relaxed atmosphere here that people seem to enjoy. We are also introducing cakes and other treats that guests can enjoy with a coffee or a glass of wine, so we hope to offer something for everyone.’ 

KEEP IT LOCAL

Brunch is served Wednesday to Sunday, 8.30am – 2pm, with the menu ranging from smoked salmon bagels (£12.50) to a full English breakfast (£14.95) with two poached eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, blush tomato, portobello mushrooms, hash brown and toast. Other popular choices include eggs Benedict (£14.50), avocado on sourdough (£12.50), Burrata on sourdough (£12.50) and a lovely peri-peri chicken quinoa bowl (£14.50), which showcases Kelly’s flair for cooking with interesting herbs and spices.

The dinner menu is available on Wednesday to Saturday evenings from 5 – 8pm (Sunday is devoted to a traditional roast). Diners can choose just a main course (£25.50), or two (£35) or three (£40) courses. Dinner starters include a Waldorf salad with Brighton blue cheese, Asian squid, and the aforementioned peri-peri chicken quinoa. Main courses include an 8oz sirloin steak (served with creamy spinach, roasted butternut and twice cooked potatoes with peppercorn sauce or garlic butter), pan-seared cod (with sauce gribiche, potato fondant and green beans) and a chicken parmigiana burger (with pickled onions, tomato relish and skinny fries). 

 There are satisfying vegetarian options too, including spicy corn fritters, avocado and tomato salad (starters), with a pea and mint risotto among the main course options. Desserts include Eton mess, chocolate delice with a chocolate and almond ganache and chocolate ice cream, or if you prefer, cheese and crackers.  

It is pleasing to see that The Vineyard Kitchen is committed to using local ingredients. Kelly said: ‘It is important to work with local producers who can provide consistent quality, so we have relationships with Handcross Butchers, Jenger’s Bakery in Billingshurst, Munneries of Chichester and Jacob’s Bagels in Pulborough. Many people like to enjoy a glass of wine too and we have a wonderful selection from our estates both here and in South Africa. We thought long and hard about wine pairings and offer a Sussex Sparkling wine flight (three Leonardslee wines for £20) and a Benguela Cove Set (four wines for £20).’

NEW CHAPTER

Mannings Heath Golf Club can sometimes appear to be in the shadow of Leonardslee. However, it has the same ethos and now attracts people who may never have been to the club before. It remains proud of its golfing heritage and history (for all the changes, one thing that has remained is a tribute to the crew of a Halifax bomber that crashed near the 14th tee in 1945) but the venue is now embarking on a new chapter. It seems to be one we’re all invited to... 

WORDS: BEN MORRIS / PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT 

FURTHER INFORMATION: The Vineyard Kitchen, Hammerpond Road, Mannings Heath, RH13 6PG www.leonardsleefamilyvineyards.com/the-vineyard-kitchen