When restaurant menus often read like a passport stamped with influences from every corner of the globe, Tern in Warwick Street takes a different path. The philosophy here is refreshingly simple: everything is British. Not just the food and drink, but the entire experience. From the understated décor to the beautifully crafted vertical cutlery holders on each table, every detail has been carefully considered and sourced with a distinctly British identity in mind.
Atmospheric cellar bar
Before dinner, we descended into Tern’s atmospheric cellar bar, an intimate space that feels like a hidden gem beneath the restaurant. While the wine list is understandably a major draw, the standout drink for me was an alcohol-free apple and basil cold-pressed “tea”. Crisp, aromatic and wonderfully refreshing.
Tasting menu with British wine pairings
Dinner itself was Tern’s five-course tasting menu with accompanying wine pairings, a journey through quality British ingredients interpreted with imagination.
The opening snacks immediately set the tone. Onion, toast and Branston pickle celebrated familiar British flavours nodding affectionately to the British sandwich of choice. IPA and chicken skin delivered a satisfying combination of richness and crunch.
A special mention must go to the opening sparkling wine pairing: Bee Tree by Sugrue. Crafted by one of England’s most celebrated sparkling wine producers, it was an elegant and lively start to the evening, full of freshness and finesse.
The tomato, allium and sorrel course showcased the kitchen’s ability to let ingredients shine. Vibrant, fresh and beautifully balanced, it was a celebration of the height of the British growing season. The Litmus orange wine was fascinating. For anyone unfamiliar with orange wine, it can be something of a revelation, and this example brought texture, spice and gentle tannins that challenged expectations in all the right ways. Definitely a wine to revisit.
Next came monkfish with pea and bacon. It is a combination that could only really belong to Britain, evoking memories of summer gardens and seaside suppers. The monkfish was expertly cooked, firm yet delicate, while the sweetness of the peas played beautifully against the savoury bacon.
One of the evening’s highlights for me was the White Castle Vineyard’s Siegerrebe. White Castle is a family-run Welsh vineyard in Monmouthshire, producing award-winning wines that demonstrate just how far British winemaking has come.
The aromatic character of the Siegerrebe worked brilliantly with the food and served as a reminder that outstanding wine no longer needs to travel thousands of miles to reach our glasses.
The pork course with broad bean delivered the meal’s richest flavours. Comforting yet refined, it struck that elusive balance between rustic British cooking and modern fine dining technique. My favourite dish!
Dessert brought raspberry, fennel and custard together in a dish that was light, fragrant and beautifully judged. The fruit was aromatic and tangy while the sweet custard anchored everything with a sense of familiarity and comfort. It was a fitting conclusion to a menu rooted in British tradition yet delivered with contemporary flair.
A genuine vision
What makes Tern special is not simply its commitment to British sourcing, but the sincerity of the delivery. Nothing feels forced. Every course, every drink and every design detail contributes to a coherent story about British craftsmanship, agriculture and creativity.
Tern is a superb example of what can be achieved when a team commits wholeheartedly to a vision. Worthing’s dining scene has become increasingly ambitious in recent years, and Tern stands apart as a restaurant with a genuine sense of purpose. For anyone curious about the excellet quality of modern British food and wine, this is a table worth booking.
39 Warwick St, Worthing BN11 3DQ | 01903 629787 | www.ternrestaurant.co.uk
