Under the guidance of new head chef, Ian Swainson, The Pass restaurant at the South Lodge hotel, West Sussex, has been rewarded three AA Restaurant Guide 2017 rosettes.

Speaking about the achievement, Ian said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded three AA Rosettes at The Pass – it’s testament to the hard work of the entire team who have maintained the meticulous high standards for which The Pass has become renowned.  Since taking the reins, the team and I have worked tirelessly to create attractive and great tasting dishes that both reflect the ethos of The Pass and my own artistic style.   

“In just a little over four months, we have created a completely new menu of dishes that are clean, colourful, innovative and pure in their composition whilst delivering complex flavours on the palette, so I am delighted that our food, and the entire dining experience at The Pass, has been recognised with these three AA Rosettes. I couldn’t be more proud!”

>>> Related: Ian Swainson named Head Chef at The Pass, South Lodge

Ian was announced as the new head chef of The Pass restaurant back in April of this year. Before that Ian was the head chef of the country house hotel, the Samling, in Cumbria where he earned the restaurant 3 AA Rosettes and held a Michelin star for three years.

Ian’s appointment came after the departure of Matt Gillan who had spent the last 10 years at the restaurant.