Horsham’s Hidden Restaurants

This is the first post of many in our new blog series called Horsham’s Hidden Treasures. This post is all about restaurants and cafes that are tucked away or haven’t had the exposure they deserve.

Essence of Bengal

When strolling down East Street, have you ever noticed a delicious aroma of Indian spices but couldn’t locate where it was coming from? Well, if you glance upwards half way down East Street above the small health food shop, you will see the tucked away Essence of Bengal. This delightful Indian restaurant is open 17:30-22:30 offering a vast range of fantastic Indian dishes to suit all preferences. An additional perk to this eatery is that you can take your own alcoholic drinks meaning you can keep the cost down but still enjoy a great meal out.

‘Having ordered delivery several times we chose to dine in with overseas visitors, the restaurant is a little hidden away, but what a find. Really good food and friendly staff. Looking forward to the belly dancing evening!’ Review from TripAdvisor Jan 2, 2014.

7A East St, Horsham, West Sussex RH121HH.

The Cafe by the Lake

Sumners Pond Campsite and fishery in Barns Green is a beautiful setting for a bite to eat. The cafe provides delicious, locally sourced food, plus you can enjoy your meal in a stunning setting beside the lake, enriched with English countryside. It is open to the public as well as campers from 08:00, serving breakfasts, lunches, beverages and other delectable goodies. During high seasons their bar and restaurant are open late everyday and in the winter you can spend those dreary days enjoying a meal in their cosy, rustic restaurant.

‘We needed a new venue and we struck oil with Cafe by the Lake!! Fabulous fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, or cheese scone with cheese and apple chutney for under £5 including a drink. The sandwiches are delicious, all served with chips and salad enough for 2 to share! Best chips in West Sussex too! The venue is excellent. There is seating outside, over the lake, indoors or in a marquee with heaters and dogs are welcome.’  Review from TripAdvisor November 2013.

Barns Green, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0PR.

The River Kwai

This independent traditional Thai restaurant has been in Horsham for 27 years and still possesses the original chef. This jewel can sometimes be forgotten as a choice for people looking to enjoy a meal out due to the burst of chain restaurants opening in East Street in recent years. It is somewhat hidden around the corner from East Street, but provides exquisite, authentic Thai dishes. The unique atmosphere is completely different to other similar chain restaurants.

Address: 6 Market Square, Town Centre, Horsham RH12 1EU

‘We stumbled across this restaurant and were very pleasantly surprised! From the outside it looked empty, but inside it was full and the restaurant was much bigger than it looked. Food was brilliant, with some lovely authentic Thai dishes – Pad Thai was especially yummy! Atmosphere was great, with staff dressed in traditional Thai attire. I recommend checking it out if you’re tired of all the usual restaurants in Horsham!’ Review from TripAdvisor May 2013.

If you have a hidden treasure you think deserves to be featured in this series, please email [email protected].