Anyone who knows me knows I have a bit of a thing for English country house hotels. I’m not sure what it is exactly about them, but I cannot think of a better way than spending a weekend in one of them along with some great food and wine. For me, an English country house hotel is one of those things that you just can’t find anywhere else. Have travelled to almost every civilised country on the face of the earth I can safely say that English country house hotels are a tradition that we desperately need to maintain. Many countries try to copy them, but unfortunately most fail miserably.
One of the best value around has to be Horsted Place in East Sussex. Nestled in the tiny hamlet of Little Horsted, just outside Uckfield, its unassuming entrance hides a real gem of a property. The red brick gothic exterior draws you in to an entrance foyer with stunning Victorian tiles that gives way to a grand Pugin staircase sweeping its way through the centre of the hotel.
In wintertime fires are lit which give a lovely warm glow to the place. In summer the doors in the drawing room open out onto an outdoor terrace and croquet lawn. No matter what time of year you visit you will not be disappointed. Staff here exhibit that rare quality of real warmth and friendliness which ensures a calmness pervades across the hotel. Rooms are furnished in the quintessentially English country house style. The pick of which has to be the Neville Suite, named after previous owners.
The restaurant serves up good modern British cooking with a few neat twists on some classic dishes. Pan fried Scallops with bacon are a favourite for a starter, with venison and noodles a popular main. The cooking is uncomplicated and precise. Sunday lunch is an absolute steal at £28.50 per person. The hotels wine list is great value. In fact it must be one of the most reasonable priced wine lists available in the UK. If you want first growths at prices that don’t require a second mortgage then this is the place to go. I have enjoyed many an evening in the restaurant here with various vintages of Lafite, D’Angludet, Palmer, Conseillante and Mouton Rothschild. If Horsted place can supply quality claret to their customers at sensible prices I don’t know why other places of similar ilk can’t.
I actually spent the Christmas period at Horsted Place this year and enjoyed a few incredibly relaxing days along with some great food and wine. It won't be long before I am back there again. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed and like me will probably return again and again!
