Tillingham

About

Tillingham is a 70-acre organic and biodynamic farm set amongst the rolling hills and sprawling ancient woodland of East Sussex. Founded in 2017 and situated on the site of a medieval farmstead and former hop farm, we are a mixed-agricultural holding utilising both modern and ancient techniques.

Wine
Tillingham is a low-intervention winery pushing the boundaries of modern British winemaking and grape growing which explored the possibilities of the English climate and terroir.   Our 2023 Vintage has just launched and available to try on our daily Tour & Tastings at the Vineyard. For those new to natural wines, this is the perfect opportunity to understand more about how we make our wine at Tillingham and dip your toe into the world of natural wine! We also serve mini wine flight tasters on the bar for £15 which includes either 3 glasses of sparking or 3 glasses of our still wine.

Hotel restaurant
At the hotel's Green Michelin star restaurant, a five-course garden menu showcases fresh produce from the estate’s walled garden and surrounding farms, meat reared on Tillingham land and fish caught daily at Rye Harbour. Tuck into dishes like lion’s mane schnitzel and black garlic; monkfish, rainbow chard and roe; or savoy cabbage and alliums – so handsomely presented that they rival the rolling views of the vineyard outside. A three- or five-course lunch is served on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sunday is all about roast dinners done the Tillingham way with local Morebread farm lamb, Sutton Hoo chicken, whole-day boat fish or roasted squash. For the full experience, opt for the wine pairing and have our in-house Sommelier talk you through each glass. 

PIzza Barn
For something more casual, the estate’s converted Dutch barn serves wood-fired pizza. It’s a charming spot during the summer months, with festoon lights hanging from the industrial pergola as chickens cluck around at your feet.

Hotel bar
Styled by Karen Davenport​, the bar’s industrial interiors combine white brick walls with rustic and vintage details – tables fashioned from untouched wood, warm hanging lights, patterned cushions and vases full of foraged and hand-picked flowers from the farm. Here, you can work your way through the estate’s roster of biodynamic wines – from peculiarly pink pinot noirs to their crowd-pleasing col fondo – accompanied by seasonal small plates and bar snacks. And when you’re all grape-d out, their menu of inventive cocktails, homemade cider and delicious soft options make for equally interesting stand-ins.

Sustainability efforts
Sustainability is at the heart of Tillingham’s operation as a low-intervention, organic farm and vineyard. This means no chemicals are used in our agri- and viticultural practices, and livestock roam freely between the vines to keep down weeds and grasses without machinery. There’s a composting sewage system, no single-use plastics, and energy-saving light systems, too. Reclaimed wood has been used when renovating the original farm buildings, which are insulated to modern standards to avoid unnecessary heating, and all bathroom products are made with entirely natural ingredients. In the kitchen, the produce is homegrown or locally sourced, vegetables are pickled to ensure an optimal shelf life, and all glass, plastic and cardboard that cannot be reused is recycled. Plus, Tillingham provides work experience and apprenticeships to local young people and supports a number of charities in the area.