The Leconfield, Petworth, West Sussex

Lunch out is always a treat, more so when with a dear friend and in celebration of my birthday.  I hadn't been to the Leconfield in Petworth before and purposely hadn't read any reviews on Trip Advisor so as not to have any preconceived ideas.  The reality was a smartly decorated but relaxed restaurant where we had a table in the conservatory and enjoyed a totally delicious meal.  Lisa, the excellent waitress, ensured that the service was exactly as one would hope - friendly, informed and efficient.  Ingredients are sourced locally and reflect the best of the season.  My razor clam first course was superb, although Linsi's choice of cucumber-wrapped soused and smoked mackerel, radish and red onion salad, dill mayonnaise, and cumin rye croutons looked more of a work of art.  The menu provided a good selection of starters and main courses with an additional lunch menu to supplement the a la carte.  I couldn't resist the trio of beef sliders, three delectable Goodwood mini beefburgers, cooked to perfection and served with the house special sauce (tomato based with a mustard kick), garnished with large chips.  Dessert seemed totally indulgent but sounded too good to miss.  Lisa recommended the dessert plate of mini-sized portions of the popular choices, although the idea to share went out the window when Linsi was drawn to the praline and dulce de leche semi-fredo, caramel ice cream, chocolate macaroon and broken honeycombe.  Consequently I had the selection of tasters all to myself.  Just as well diets always begin tomorrow...