The Petworth café

Treat yourself at the Petworth Audit Room café

During a visit to Petworth House, stop by our café and enjoy a meal in the historic surroundings of the Servants' Quarters.

The Audit Room

Originally built as a sculpture gallery in 1836, the room later became a handy place for hosting large dinners for tenant farmers and even Christmas parties for the servants. That story is still alive today and the room is now the ideal place to enjoy a meal or have a drink with friends and family on your visit to Petworth.

What was once a room that held Christmas parties for the servants has now become a room where you can relax with a meal during your visit to Petworth. Additional seating areas are available in the courtyard, as well as the Servants Hall café, which is open on select days.

What's on the menu?

An exciting addition to our seasonal menu is Sussex steak & kidney pie. Did you know that the first recipe for steak and kidney pie, printed in 1861, came from Sussex - where 'the inhabitants are noted for their savoury puddings'?

The 3rd Earl of Egremont established a pedigree herd of Sussex cattle from the local breed which was commended by Rev Arthur Young, saying they 'must be unquestionably ranked among the best of the kingdom'. A herd descended from these animals is maintained on the property to this day.

Vegetarian visitors are invited to treat themselves to a cauliflower cheese gratin or one of our hearty soup options, served with freshly baked bread.

Deli rolls are available for those who are looking for a quick bite on the go. Young visitors and those wanting a smaller portion can enjoy half jacket potatoes.

Can we tempt you with an upside-down pear cake or a plum pudding bake for dessert?

Petworth autumn sample menu 2019

Just like the landscapes we look after, our menu changes with the seasons. Our meals are inspired by seasonal produce and local history, from fresh spring veg and summer fruits to hearty soups and festive flavours as the days grow colder. Please note - all items are subject to availability.

Historically, pork was cured and smoked at Petworth House

Pigs at Petworth House

Sussex, as well as Petworth House, is well known for its pork. Historically, pork was cured and smoked where you are standing now, in the Servants’ Quarters. The 3rd Earl of Egremont reared pigs and experimented with their feed to discover the effect on the taste of the meat. The pigs were accommodated in grand style near the house and roamed freely on the lawns. Today, pigs are no longer kept at Petworth House, but you can still enjoy the taste of ham salad sandwiches and rolls at the café.

Soil Association's Bronze Food for Life Served Here

We've been awarded the Soil Association's Bronze Food for Life Served Here award.

Nearly all of the dishes (at least 75%) served by us are made by us fresh from scratch and the Food for Life Award guarantees this.

What's more, all of the dishes in our cafe contain honest food that is free from undesirable additives.

All our suppliers provide us with ingredients that meet ethical and welfare standards.

Petworth onion soup

Complete your experience by recreating this thick, hearty onion soup once cooked at Petworth House. It is an easy to make, comforting meal on a cold autumn day, made extra special by the addition of cheese!

We're looking forward to your visit

Our café opening hours are as follows:

February until November - 10am until 5pm, kitchen closing at 3pm.
November until February - 10 am until 4pm, kitchen closing at 2pm.

If you have any questions about Petworth House or the café, please don't hesitate to email us on petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk or give us a call on 01798 342 207.

Warm up with a hot drink after a long walk in the Park

Helping us look after Petworth House

All profits from our café go towards funding essential conservation work - so every time you eat or shop here at Petworth House, you're helping us look after this special place. Thank you.

Strawberries for sale at the Brockhampton Estate

Seasonal food and growing

Local and seasonal food is something that we're passionate about. You'll find our month-by-month calendar of what's in season, with tips on growing your own and recipes from our chefs, essential reading for a low-food mile lifestyle.