Sussex is well known for its countryside and for being the place for a break away. And whilst the place has it all, a respite in the country would be nothing without the lodging- and that comes in the kind of Ockenden Manor. A tranquil Elizabethan Manor House tucked away from the quaint village of Cuckfield, this is one.
The Resort is set in 2 acres of gardens and parkland with views across the West Sussex countryside to the South Downs, an perfect setting for a little bit of comfort and rest and also to leave your worries behind.
It’s suites and 28 rooms, quirky each as interesting and homely as the one before. Every room is named after a member of one of those 2 families that have owned the building because 1520 along with the Hotel does to create that welcoming, family texture. We were at the Elizabeth suite and so much as Hotel rooms go after we stayed, this has to be one. Simply speaking, if I were to design my own apartment, I would want it to look exactly like this. 
A distinctive two-tier space, as you walk in you’re welcomed by a cosy living area, with a contemporary bathroom to the left. A corner rounds and there’s a flight of stairs leading to a dining table and the bed room with chairs, a bed that is beautiful and big French windows leading way to breath-taking views. With the odor of fresh blossoms the sun flooding in and the sounds of twittering birds, it actually is a hidden paradise.
Each room in the Resort has an en-suite bathroom, hospitality tray, satellite TV, trouser press and hairdryer, as well as free WiFi throughout the building.
The Hotel is home to a comparatively new spa — and whilst I’d heard rave reviews, I don’t prefer to judge something a great deal until seasoned for myself, and need to say my expectations were (pardon the pun) dismissed out from the water. Purpose-built inside a 19th century walled garden, it’s contemporary, airy and lovely, encapsulating the setting that is ideal to ease all your stresses. There are eight beautifully appointed treatment rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool with a swim-through into a rain shower saunas and steam rooms plus the pool and a state of the art fitness suite and studio. The outside area is also host to a hot-tub. Nestled in a region that is contemporary and with beautiful views heading off for miles, it’s the place for comfort.
After a day of relaxing at the spa, nothing is far better than dinner at the restaurant. The dining area overlooks the gardens and serves some of the finest food in Southern England. Under the expert guidance of Head Chef they incorporate the freshest ingredients, sourced locally in Sussex possible. You may pick from an inspired wine list and the Gastronomic seven course or Stephen Cuckfield Menu. For something there ios additionally Private Dining’s choice. This occurs within their Oak Panelled Burrell Suite and stained glass windows it is the perfect place for up to 40 guests for a more romantic experience. For that is what dining at Ockenden is — an adventure.
We elected to the Chef’s selected menu and it was some of the best food I have ever eaten. Every aspect of the meal was so thought outside, so ideal, it was nearly too good to consume. In the tantilising scents and aromas to the presentation and impeccable service, it’s clear why this is really a restaurant therefore widely credited far and wide to see just.
To start, I chose Stilton Dumplings — something I have never tried before. This was delicious and was followed closely Chicory, by Port Roasted Pear and Walnut Salad. The sweetness of the pear , when combined with the strong tang of the cheese and all the spoonful of the walnuts made a perfectly counter and delicious combination. My partner had Home Smoked Magret Duck Breast with a Spring Roll and Waldorf Salad. The tastes were tasty and leaving us wondering just how good the course could be.
I picked for Balcombe Estate Venison Saddle — a dish I’ve tried just before and wondered if it could be beaten. (The answer is yes!) This was accompanied Celeriac Millefeuille by Bon Bon and Savoy Cabbage. The meat was succulent and tender, the creamy and smooth. It was a dish I would recommend time and time again. My spouse had Braised Ox Cheek — another favorite. Served with Black Cabbage, Roasted Root Vegetables and Polenta Chips it was a real favorite of the evening. The meat fell apart on contact with the fork, the roasted veggies had just the ideal amount of crunch and the Polenta chips were crammed with flavour.
For dessert (me being a self-confessed chocaholic) that I seected the Milk Chocolate delicewith mango salad and passion fruit sorbet. Tangy, sweet and smooth it is in fact a tease for the tastebuds. Flittering between sharp and silky, smooth and crunchy, it produces a dessert that renders you more than fulfilled and heightens your taste buds all.
My partner chose the cheese board — this itself is something to marvel. With a massive variety of cheeses wheeled out on a trolley, he got told the story and tastes of each, prior to selecting three favourites and being presented with a range of crackers.
From the very first bite of amuse bouche to java every facet is ideal and this is one of the best meals you’ll ever have the pleasure of indulging in. Even if you don’t remain at Ockenden Manor, it is well worth a trip for supper — you will leave feeling relaxed, satisfied and full, to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or just as a treat.
Ockenden Manor is a hotel that is much more than a Hotel. It’s a home which you’ll get cared beyond any expectations.
Ockenden Manor
Ockenden Ln
Cuckfield
Haywards Heath
RH17 5LD
Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, a member of Pride of Britain Hotels — a set of 48 independent British hotels hosted situated in the City. Situated within two acres of picturesque parkland and gardens in West Sussex, the Elizabethan manor house is a relaxing retreat with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury spa offering a range of remedies and finish with an indoor/outdoor linked swimming pool, sauna, steam room, rain shower, Ispod, hot tub, gym, treatment rooms and relaxation area. A one-night stay costs from #180 per room (two sharing) including breakfast. Telephone Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Image From:seeninthecity.co.uk
