In
West Sussex, just off the road to Arundel, there’s a wooden gate that, when it
opens, takes you to a magical realm of castles and champagne. Where peacocks
flutter in the grass, and tea is served in your own luxury tree-top house.
Whilst
this does sound magical indeed, it is not a realm impossible to find- for it
does exist, and at Amberley castle, your every fantastical whim is catered for.
Mr
Biscuit and I had the pleasure of being invited to stay at Amberley Castle, one
spectacularly sunny Friday afternoon, and as we drove past rivers and island
swing-chairs along the graveled drive, we knew we were in for a treat.
With
its magnificent towers looming above you, and an entrance taken from a
fairytale, the castle is grand and terrifically exciting to behold. It’s
certainly the kind of place that would impress, creating a dream like splendor
for it’s guests.
This
900 year old castle is enclosed by a 60 foot curtain wall and working
portcullis, with acres of glorious land and activities to note.
Arriving
at reception, we were welcomed not only by the staff, but by the opulent décor
of the main hotel building. Deep reds and soothing velvets invite you up the
stairs to the bedrooms, and as you pass tapestries and suits of armor, you feel
like you are behind the scenes of a secret museum. With 19 bedrooms to choose
from, with a range starting from stunning classic rooms to their amazing
suites, it can cater for many tastes, and a variety of budgets. We were lucky
enough to be given the ‘Arundel’ suite, in the premier deluxe category,
individually decorated in greens and golds, with a king size bed, complete with
crisp linen. The stone window frame and wooden shutters open out to the gardens
below, whilst the fireplace décor nods to the local peacocks in a spectacular
display.
The
Arundel suite is generally outstanding, full amenities include beautiful antique
furniture to hang your dinner outfits in, full size hidden mirrors so clear you
feel like you can step into it as another land, and a totally modern, stunning
bathroom. Fully equipped with huge rainforest style shower, lovely oversized
bath, as well as his and hers sinks, they also provide top quality (Whim
Biscuit favourite) L’occitane verbana toiletries.
After
freshening up with a lovely cuppa from the in room facilities (you must call
down for fresh local milk, a decadent extra that makes you feel like you’re the
Queen), and nibbling the unbelievable peaches on our complimentary fruit plate
(grown on grounds we understand), we dragged ourselves away from the temptation
to snooze in the afternoon, or recline in a bubble bath, and headed off to find
some of the rather lovable long term residents- the castle llamas.
So there’s
a castle, gardens, ponds of coy carp, peacocks, suits of armor, a putting
course, croquet, llamas, a river compete with swinging seat……what else could
you wish for? Perhaps that tree house we mentioned?
Mistletoe
Lodge is a adventurous hideaway in the trees, only accessible by a rope bridge,
with the most incredible views. Available for hire for almost any occasion,
from Weddings to afternoon tea, you could have it for your very own to surprise
a loved one, or even treat a whole family.
We
loved skipping through the woodland, and finding these exciting delights, but
as the sun set past the turrets, we scurried off back indoors to prepare
ourselves for the culinary wonders of the hotel restaurant.
With
its vaulted ceilings and intimate feel, the principal dining area is classic
and elegant. The definitive spot, which we noted would be the best table in the
house, would be on the raised window area just to the side. A perfect place to
wine and dine your partner, with the romance making you forget that there is
anyone else there but yourselves. Our choice of suit vs little black dress was
fitting, although I’m sure a more smart/casual attire would have done if we so
wished. We opted for the a la carte menu over the tasting, with a pairing of
the sommelier’s choice of wines for each course, something I am very glad we
had, as the expert knowledge and matching of flavours was fantastic. Oh and to
avoid the inevitable food-envy, given the vast choice, we went for the same
dishes. The decadent variety of an exquisitely chosen menu by the head chef,
Robby Jenks, is tantamount to the standard of a Michelin star restaurant.
Indeed, with his own Gidleigh Park background, and his pastry chef’s former Fat
Duck experience, there is no doubt in our minds that their door will soon be
twinkling with a shining star of their own.
Passing
up an aperitif, we
started with a selection of the complementary breads, which are definitely
worth a mention simply down to the hand-made taste-sensation they presented,
and our amuse bouche of pea soup with meat juices, was possibly the best pre-meal
treat we have ever had.
Our starter of chicken was delicious.
Infused with truffles and formed into almost a pate, it was exquisitely paired
with a smooth white wine from the ever helpful and truly lovely restaurant
manager. Indulged already, a main of fish (which from memory we think was
Haddock) was superbly cooked in succulent aromatic juices, and a flavourful
spinach base. Slightly disappointed that the menu stated it came with scallops,
we were notified that they simply were not up to standard, and could not be
served. Which really, is testament to their endeavor for perfection.
Our dessert was the castle’s famous
interpretation of a black forest gateau, a towering spectacle of chocolate and
cherries, meticulously put together with a choice of supplementary tastes that
on paper, just should not work. However, as you knock over the chocolate tube,
breaking it, you find a veritable full palate of bitter cocoa, with goats
cheese, and a edible gravel infused with ham gel. It works. It’s certainly
different, but it works. Yet worry not, as for the less adventurous amongst us,
there is a variety of puddings that any sugar hungry diner could happily feast
upon.
Content, and happy with our glorious
surroundings, we continued our evening in one of the three lounges, each with a
theme that allowed for different levels of lighting for your preferred
ambiance. Our choice was notably the most cozy of them all, with its dimmed
setting and comfortable sofas in deep colours. A precisely perfect setting for
relaxing after dinner with coffees and petit fours, that certainly didn’t get the
appreciation they deserved after the three very filling courses. The atmosphere
of reserved yet easy elegance is soothing, and as other guests joined us before
bed, it allowed for lovely conversation before hitting the hey, in our very
comfortable, very nicely turned down room.
We were sad to pack our suitcase that
morning. Sad to leave the peaceful surroundings that gave us such a restful
evening. The only upside was the delightful late breakfast. A masterpiece of
English delights, cooked to your liking. A continental selection is also
available, as well as a choice of beverages and other cooked options. Thus as
we gazed out the dining hall window, across the gardens to the stone walls
beyond, we chatted about our nights sleep, and if either of us had heard the
spooky whistling from the back corner of the room (which was totally the fan
we’d turned on before we slept….or was it?). Then turned to each other and
promised ourselves that we’d have to return here, and maybe try out another
suite, in what is possibly the most romantic hotel we’ve ever had the pleasure
to review.
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.