The Credentials:
Ockenden Manor is an Elizabethan Manor House just an hour’s drive from west London. Set within nine acres of glorious gardens, looking out across the sweeping South Downs. Just a stone’s throw from the quaint Tudor village of Cuckfield, the Pride of Britain hotel boasts a contemporary spa and serves Michelin-starred food, courtesy of resident chef Stephen Crane.
Dine:
Cuckfield’s charming high street is home to various tea rooms, cafés and pubs, but for foodies the decision is simple: Ockenden Manor.
The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant offers an incredibly good value set lunch with two courses for under £20. Dinner is a somewhat pricier affair, but is worth every penny. Acclaimed chef Stephen Crane sources the best local ingredients to create patriotic dishes which pack a punch. My venison was straight from field to fork, having been reared in the neighbouring village of Balcombe. The impeccably cooked meat was perfectly tender and arrived in a myriad of styles which kept my tastebuds guessing. My partner’s starter of chicken fricassee with calve’s sweetbreads, fresh pasta and wild mushrooms was addictive and as for the deserts… The pecan creme brûlée was a triumph and left us collapsed in defeat in the hotel’s cosy wood-panelled snug bar.
Sleep:
Initially, walking into the hotel our first impressions were mixed and I was worried that it was going to be uncomfortably chintzy and tired. I needn’t have worried – we were staying in one of the six new spa suites. Awash with a natural palate of moss green and cream, our spacious suite had a wonderful sense of space. A giant open shutter opened the modern slate bathroom (complete with a rainforest shower and the world’s biggest bath) in to the comfortable bedroom and lounge area. This in turn opened out onto an enormous communal roof terrace with a private sunbathing area and views across the outdoor pool, countryside and resident sheep.
Guests in the spa suites have direct access to the enormous spa boasting an indoor and outdoor connected swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, heat experience rooms, a quirky walk through a rainforest shower and a satisfyingly steamy outdoor hot tub overlooking the Downs. The spa offers an extensive range of treatments using luxury products from REN, Ila and Electric Body. Rooms in the main hotel are more traditional, so do check the website to find your preferred style.
Out & About:
Before you head anywhere check out the village itself, Cuckfield has real old world charm and is a great place to spend a morning popping into boutiques and cafes. Lovingly referred to as the ’boutique village of Sussex’, it’s a treasure trove of one-off finds. I loved Jojo, the small clothes shop houses a range of independent labels and a lovely selection of Fairtrade dresses and is great value. Within minutes I had found a great figure-hugging dress to rival Whistles iconic cut.
For shopping further afield head to nearby Lewes, which is bursting with antique, craft sand secondhand book shops. Or for a livelier peruse, head to buzzy Brighton and get lost in the town’s infamous Lanes. The North Lanes are a crammed with quirky indy shops, cafes and intriguing characters, while the cobbled Lanes towards the seafront are a mecca for jewellery shopping. Ockenden is also perfectly positioned for exploring the Sussex Downs and countless ornate gardens.
Who goes there?
On our visit there were a real mix of clientele; groups of ladies treating themselves to a day in the spa, couples celebrating special occasions and loyal locals indulging in the world-class cuisine.
The Worst Thing:
This wonderful hotel deserves to shine in all its glory and despite falling in love with its old world charm, we couldn’t help but spot some signs of wear and tear – even in the new spa. All of the ingredients are there; it just needs a little more attention to detail and a spot of TLC.
The Best Thing:
Feeling like you are stepping back in time is priceless; from dining in the Elizabethan manor and sipping a nightcap in the wood-panelled snug to exploring Cuckfield’s Tudor past.
The Details:
Jess Baldwin was hosted by Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, a member of Pride of Britain Hotels – a consortium of 49 privately-owned independent British hotels. A one-night stay costs from £190 per room (two sharing) including breakfast. To book call Pride of Britain Hotels (0800 089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
