Arundel lies beside the River Arun, close by the South Downs, about four miles from the coast at Littlehampton, midway between Chichester and Worthing. It is a pretty little town dominated by its castle. Not a lot in the way of shops but plenty of restaurants and cafes ranging from a couple of high street chains to independents.
On our wanderings off one of the main streets we found a small courtyard and at one end Sage. It looked pretty – we wandered in. One of my favourite pre-dinner drinks is an Aperol Spritz. Sage served it – we looked no further that evening for dinner.
Sage offers a highly original and healthy menu. It most definitely is not vegetarian. The menu certainly does include meat, but the emphasis is more on pulses, seeds, nuts, vegetables and herbs – nutritious ingredients often served raw, or lightly cooked. One item intrigued us. We were told it was a salad. But not any old salad – a seriously-good-for-you salad, one packed with essential minerals and vitamins. Even the salad-loather amongst us thought it stunning. The menu appears to change monthly but if ‘salad’ is on the menu as a starter – try it. Starters start from £6.95, main courses averaging about £16 and desserts from £6.50.
We started chatting to Sage owner, Clare Masson, something of a Francophile who had lived in France for several years where she honed her interests in food, wine and local cultures. We asked her about the restaurant’s delicious and innovative food. It turns out that chef, Jonas Tester, is a chef of some repute who not only has cooked for a number of fine dining establishments but also lectures on cookery and mentors youngsters at one of the local colleges.
The evening we were there we ate to the accompaniment of a guitarist. Normally we shy away from music. But his choice of songs was pleasant and he was good, and for once we enjoyed the background music. We certainly enjoyed Sage. B.W.
Sage, Castle Mews, Tarrant Street, Arundel, W Sussex. Tel: 01903 883477