insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 101

GETAWAYS The distinctive SPREAD EAGLE HOTEL AND SPA Every girl enjoys being spoilt once in a while, but if there's one date on which she deserves to be treated like royalty, it's her birthday. And if there's one room that can accommodate such a sentiment, it's the Queen's Suite at Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa in Midhurst, West Sussex. Retaining its heritage, setting foot in this quintessentially English hotel is much like taking a step back in time – and it's a journey I would highly encourage. by Gemma Dunn Nestled in the heart of the Sussex market town, the Spread Eagle Hotel truly complements its historic surroundings. Considered a jewel of the county, Midhurst may be small but it's perfectly formed, offering residents and visitors a plethora of local antiques, tea shops, restaurants and cultural experiences – Midhurst Castle, Cowdray Estate and the Cowdray Ruins to name but a few. What's more, it's well positioned for exploring the magnificent chalk hills of the South Downs National Park too. Following suit, the hotel – part of Historic Sussex Hotels (HSH) – celebrates a rich inheritance as one of the oldest coaching inns still in existence in the UK, dating back to 1430. And while it may uphold its roots in décor – think ancient oak beams in the 15th-century lounge and leadedlight windows to medieval memorabilia – it prides itself on providing guests with every modern-day comfort. Above the aforementioned lounge lies the Queen's Suite, which rumour has it accommodated the last Tudor monarch: none other than Elizabeth I, in 1591. And for one night only – my birthday night, I might add – it was to be my royal abode. celebratory bottle of Pinot Noir and some very welcome nibbles and warm bread rolls. Recently refurbished in keeping with its age-old character, the huge Queen's Suite boasts majestic furnishings, plus a stunning carved four-poster bed; equipped, private sitting room; wig closet (yes, that was a thing!), and a luxurious en suite bathroom. And as if that's not enough, it can be connected to the adjoining Edward VII lounge – complete with piano and TV – for an even more impressive living space. Picking from the restaurant menu, as curated by head chef Richard Cave-Toye, our starters comprised of the most delicious mushroom ravioli with porcini, rosemary butter and parmesan (seriously good!); and a well-executed portion of South Coast crab and crab tempura, bedded on an avocado and orange salad and served with a fresh herb mayonnaise. In addition, the Spread Eagle Hotel offers an additional 39 bedrooms and suites, all of which are individually designed to reflect the history of the hotel. If, like the Queen's Suite, you fancy taking up residence in a room with an intriguing story to tell, the White Room has a secret passage that was reputedly used by fleeing smugglers! Up next, I opted for the organic Rother Valley lamb rump; a tender, flavoursome cut, paired with chargrilled Provençal vegetables and a crisp