Wild Bear Eats: The Parsons Table, Arundel

Quiet Mastery in the South Downs

Tucked into a discreet corner of Arundel’s charming townscape, The Parsons Table delivers an experience that feels like a well-kept secret: quietly confident, seasonally grounded, and entirely memorable. With an open kitchen, a menu that changes with the land, and a style of service that’s warm without being intrusive, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to — even before you’ve left.

What I Ordered & Loved

Starter: The evening began with the Croquette of Pulled Braised Lamb, served with caper, raisin, and mint. Crisp on the outside, soft and savoury within — it hit a beautiful balance between richness and brightness. The unexpected sweetness of the raisin with the sharpness of caper made this dish sing. A classic with edge.

Main Course:For my main, I chose the Rump of Southdown’s Lamb, accompanied by gratin potato, French-style peas, tenderstem broccoli, and finished with a deep pan jus. The lamb, pink and yielding, spoke of local sourcing and careful timing. The potato gratin was indulgent but restrained, while the vegetables brought freshness and finesse. It’s a dish that carries the warmth of tradition, but with a chef’s modern hand.

Dessert:To finish, the Cherry & Almond Frangipane Tart stole the show — golden, nutty, with a gently crisped edge and paired with a toasted almond ice cream that brought depth and contrast. Comforting and quietly elegant.

Atmosphere

The setting is intimate without being cramped, with softly lit interiors that let the food take centre stage. Tables are dressed with restraint, allowing conversation and flavour to flow freely. It's a place that feels considered — from the playlist to the pacing.

Service

Service was smooth and discreet. The staff know the menu well, including the origin of ingredients and why each component is there. It’s attentive without the performance — the kind of dining you can relax into.

Wild Bear Verdict

Score: 9/10

The Parsons Table delivers refined simplicity: food with soul, ingredients that speak of place, and a team that cares. It’s not flashy — and that’s the point. For those who value quiet excellence over loud spectacle, this is a must-visit.

Best for: Couples, food lovers, or a slow weekend escape in Sussex.

Wild Bear Dish to Remember: Rump of Southdown’s Lamb — comfort, craft and confidence on a plate.

For more information and to book visit The Parsons Table