The Restaurant // Striking Woodland Film & Photoshoot Location on Kent/Sussex Border — SL – UK Location Broker offering Location Services for TV, Film and Media Productions

EAST SUSSEX

Set within 46 acres of ancient woodland on the Kent/Sussex border, The Restaurant offers a striking and immersive backdrop for film and television productions. Easily accessible just off the A21 and only a 10-minute drive from Etchingham station - with direct train connections into London - it combines rural seclusion with logistical convenience. Surrounded by dense forest and modern eco-architecture, the location provides a unique blend of natural beauty and contemporary design, ideal for both narrative and commercial shoots.
The Restaurant is a distinctive architectural space, constructed primarily from locally sourced timber. Its Cross-Laminated Timber frame and larch-clad exterior blend effortlessly into the woodland surroundings, offering a visually cohesive setting that complements nature on screen. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows invite in abundant natural light while capturing sweeping views of the forest, allowing filmmakers to harness the changing light and seasons to dramatic effect.
Inside, the minimalist design features exposed timber beams, neutral tones, and either polished concrete or wooden flooring, all of which contribute to a calm, textured atmosphere ideal for cinematic storytelling. The open-plan layout, high pitched ceilings, and natural materials create a versatile space that can be easily dressed for a variety of productions, from intimate interiors to larger set builds.
Elevated on slender stilts, the structure preserves the forest floor below and enhances biodiversity, while also creating a sense of elevation and lightness that adds dimension to exterior shots. Outdoor terraces extend the usable filming space and provide panoramic views of the tree canopy, offering dynamic framing options and a powerful connection to the landscape.
Designed with sustainability in mind, The Restaurant is a low-impact, visually compelling film location that fosters creativity and connection to the natural world - making it an ideal choice for productions seeking atmosphere, adaptability, and a strong architectural identity.