They say that first impressions are the most important, and once you’ve stepped through the joys of the stunning rock construction and opened the large entry doors of Ashdown Park Hotel, first impressions are already blown out of the water and you’re well on your way to a hotel-love affair. The Entrance Hall features a fireplace, beautiful portraits adorning the walls and opulent décor.
Ashdown Park Hotel set about constructing the Victorian Manor which remains the center of the Hotel to this afternoon and was initially obtained by Thomas Charles Thompson at 1867 — a member of Parliament in the time — who immediately knocked down the building. G K T Fisher who inherited the estate to be killed in 1917 fighting during the First World War was contained by owners of the house. Prior to being acquired by the Elite Group in 1993, the house subsequently became a convent and later a corporate headquarters for an global bank and also Ashdown Park Hotel was created.
In this hotel is luxurious, yet understatedly so everywhere you look. It’s opulent yet not pretentious, broad yet homey.
On the first floor, we remained throughout our stay at Ashdown. Upon opening the door, I couldn’t help but be surprised by the size of this room — for this area was huge. (I have seen smaller flats!) The mattress was tucked to one side (and begging for a movie-style running jump to the soft pillows!) To the hand was a table and wardrobe and the front of the room held a suite and a tv, ideal for curling up and watching a movie after a long day. Windows gave way to tumbling countryside views- Ashdown Park’s own lake, expansive golf course, croquet area and forested walking routes.
The bathroom is another real highlight — it’s to be one of the best bathrooms I have ever seen — and having a large corner bath, heated tiled flooring, rolling views and Molton Brown toiletries, you’re completely clothed from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
During your stay there are nice touches such as fresh fruit delivered halfway throughout the afternoon — that set this Resort apart from many others.
We spent our day exploring the reasons, it is an perfect spot to pack a picnic and go and sit down by the lake. It’s calm and hosts a backdrop so stunning it’s clear to see just why it’s so popular for occasions and weddings in addition to stays.
Dinner
Dinner at Ashdown Park Hotel truly is an affair not to be overlooked. In the Anderida Restaurant offering fine diningroom, for something the area for summertime dishes in sunlight or the dining area that is private to the Fairways couch, Ashdown Park can cater to all occasions.
We dined at the Anderida — a gorgeous room tucked away at the front end of the hotel, leading off from a beautiful bar — (it’s well worth relaxing here using a cocktail whilst awaiting your table.) The restaurant is beautiful and worth visiting even if you’re not staying in the Hotel. With high ceilings, heavy drapes and magnificent views followed by flickering candlelight. Tables and the seats are luxurious and lavish, the atmosphere and the service over exemplary. The waiters are educated and only too happy to assist. From picking the wines to a high standard and ensuring the food is delivered and to bringing over fresh bread — we could not find any fault.
The food in itself is delicious — something reflected from the restaurants namesake- Anderida. Roman in origin and meaning hunting earth, it signifies the game which roam in the woods, and also the Head Chef’s hunter’s eye for tracking down freshest ingredients and the best. Received glowing reviews from all around the country and having been given two AA rosettes that are highly esteemed, its prestige speaks for itself.
Ranging from Portland Crab Croquette to Poisson to Pork Loin to Goat’s Cheese Tart — catering for all tastes, preferences and nutritional requirements. Each dish is cooked to perfection, flavoursome yet not overwhelmingly so.
Mains again supply a wide and varied option, from 38 Day Aged Steak Ribeye to Thyme Roasted Saddle of Lamb into Olive Oil Poached Monkfish and so much in-between you are simply spoilt for choice. The meat was succulent, the veggies just the ideal amount between tender and crisp and the accompanying sauces and sides mature with flavour.
Dessert is well worth saving room for at Ashdown — to a rustic cheese board from all of the classics you can not fail. Such thought and attention is put into every dish you leave the restaurant feeling. They create an evening of these fine food, service and ambience you will depart and wonder you can return.
Breakfast
Breakfast for everybody is served at the Anderida and I’d say now this is one of the best Hotel breakfast’s I have ever experienced. The continental buffer is grand — no pastries that are limp and wilted fruit in sight! Instead gold croissants, succulent berries and apples and stacks of cereals are ready and awaiting you. The spicy food is cooked completely fresh and you can choose from poached eggs, the English and other hot breakfast delights. We opted for the complete English (since how do you turn down it?!) And we weren’t disappointed. Flavoursome, flavorful and hot it had everything you could wish for from a traditional breakfast nonetheless left us wondering how they can do it so much better.
Ashdown Park Hotel is a true treat. It is somewhere to demonstrate your other half just how much they mean to you. It and it’s somewhere relax and simply to escape to. From the moment you pull up, to the moment you drive back from the driveway that is expansive, you’ll be treated as though you are the only guests at the Hotel. Every aspect of the stay is thought of, each detail perfected to a tee, you will feel spoilt yet of place.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ashdown Park and am already planning a return trip…
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, a member of Pride of Britain Hotels — a selection of 48 independent British resorts hosted seen in the City. Set in East Sussex, within 186 acres of lakes, secret gardens and grounds, the hotel is at the center of A.A. Milne and Winnie-the-Pooh property — Ashdown Forest. A one-night stay prices from #250 per room (two sharing) including breakfast and use of the spa. Telephone Pride of Britain Hotels for the best available rates on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Image From:seeninthecity.co.uk
