South African-born chef Jean Delport announced on Monday evening that he and his primarily South African team have received their first Michelin star for Restaurant Interlude in Sussex, South East England.

View this post on Instagram

A sneak peek of @delportjean preparing one of his delicious dishes ?

A post shared by Restaurant Interlude (@interludesussex) on Jan 15, 2019 at 6:31am PST

The star was announced on Monday 7 October on the United Kingdom’s Michelin guide’s Twitter account and is the first for the restaurant. Restaurant Interlude is located in Horsham and set within the historic woodland gardens of Leonardslee Gardens.

View this post on Instagram

For a contemporary fine dining experience, book a table at Restaurant Interlude ? https://www.restaurant-interlude.co.uk/reservations

A post shared by Restaurant Interlude (@interludesussex) on Mar 27, 2019 at 3:32am PDT

Chef Jean Delport – who previously headed up the kitchen at Somerset West’s Benguela on Main – took up the challenge to build and create the nature-inspired fine-dining experience at Leonardslee House and Gardens, which opened its doors in the first half of 2018.

View this post on Instagram

“Estate Egg & Exmoor Caviar” • #ourhens #happyhens #thisisclosetohome #hybridhens #freerangeeggs #isthisadippyegg #hayyolkbutter #newrestaurant #finedininglovers #restaurantinterlude @interludesussex ? @davidcharbit

A post shared by Jean Delport (@delportjean) on Dec 4, 2018 at 4:56am PST

“Our menu is guided by what is available in our garden, we strive to build our pantry through patient harvesting and preservation, taking food back to basics and showcasing old traditional produce where possible,” reads Restaurant Interlude’s website.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Restaurant Interlude (@interludesussex) on Apr 25, 2019 at 2:41am PDT

“You’ll find this intimate restaurant in a listed mansion in Leonardslee Gardens,” reads the Michelin Guide’s description. “The team hails from South Africa but the two surprise tasting menus keep their focus firmly on the local area. Skilfully crafted dishes show good balance in their textures and flavours, and have a creative, original style.”

View this post on Instagram

scallop • nettle • green almond #green #garden-almonds #thisisclosetohome #finedininglovers #foodie #finedining #restaurant-Interlude @interludesussex #maximumeffort #nomnomnom

A post shared by Jean Delport (@delportjean) on Oct 30, 2018 at 10:09am PDT

Congratulations to chef Jean and his entire team at Restaurant Interlude!