TRAVEL
The first turn we made towards this inviting opulence was through the door of one of the hotel ’ s lounges for afternoon tea . Plush and stately , combining armchairs begging to be sunk into with dark wood panelling and ethereal artworks in gilded gold frames , the room ’ s floor-to-ceiling bookcases and classic objet d ’ art have more than a touch of whimsy about them – as does the afternoon tea . Accompanied by an innovative Newby tea menu that led us to try delicious , unusual blends such as Tropical Delight and Rooibos Tiramisu , the afternoon tea here has been less reinvented and more redefined . Naturally , the classics are included ( afternoon tea without scones , jam and clotted cream is sacrilege , surely ), but alongside the most delicate and delicious finger sandwiches , we were also treated to homemade sausage rolls , a rich terrine with sweet apricot chutney and mini quiches that were light as air but packed with flavour .
This twist-on-the-traditional theme pervades the entire experience at Amberley Castle . Having spied a fellow guest sipping on one in the hotel ’ s lounge bar earlier in the day , the lure of a cocktail was too tough to resist before dinner . The space itself is a relaxing and sophisticated blend of sage and daffodil tones that plays into the hotel ’ s classicbut-contemporary style with an attentive staff and a chilled-out playlist that veers melodically between the likes of Latino jazz musician , Nathan Jaz , and the tender tones of Icelandic indie trio , Sigur Rós . You ’ ve got to be a confident establishment to serve a French Martini ; a gently stirred blend of vodka , Chambord and pineapple juice that – again , reflecting Amberley Castle ’ s two-sided nature - is as playful as it is serious , but my request was met with a knowing nod and the drink I received was masterful .
So lulled were we by the soothing pre-dinner atmosphere in the lounge that we had to be reminded that our dinner table was ready . Relocating to the magnificent Queen ’ s Room , with its 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling , grand fireplace , crimson-red high-backed chairs and pristine white tablecloths , we knew we were in for a treat . Amberley Castle ’ s Queen ’ s Restaurant is , unsurprisingly , known for its progressive mix of formal , creative and modern ; local ingredients and fresh produce form the basis of chef Paul Peters ’ innovative approach to cuisine and the food is sensational .
The cured mackerel with cucumber , sea vegetables , wasabi , apple , orange , crispy rice and nori was all at once salty , fresh and sweet – the citrus notes of orange cutting through the fish ’ s natural oiliness , while a beef fillet with braised blade , pearly-pink Roscoff onion , Jerusalem artichoke and a port jus was butter-soft , elevated by tangy onion and nutty artichoke with a slight back note of vanilla . The star of the night ? Loin of Exmoor venison with slow-braised haunch , parsley , carrot , cumin and pickled carrot ; gamey and earthy with herby undertones of sage , it was juicy and tender , the haunch adding a welcome and indulgent fattiness that was lifted by the naturally sweet carrot and a warming hit of spice – it was truly exquisite , as was the hotel ’ s famous apple tarte tatin , which melted its accompanying cinnamon ice cream to produce a pool of sticky , caramelised joy .
There are 19 bedrooms at Amberley Castle , each unique in design and furnished with antiques , fine fabrics , crisp white linen , plumped-up pillows and luxurious Vispring beds to guarantee a perfect night ’ s slumber . A truly historic room , Arundel , where we had the pleasure of spending the night , has a
huge comfortable bed , a sofa and armchairs giving it the feel of a suite , and a fire in a gorgeous granite fireplace while heavy velvet curtains either shade from the sun that shines across the 12-acre grounds edged with topiary hedges , or offsets any winter chill that might try and mist its way through the antique lattice windows .
An escape in every true sense of the word , a stay at Amberley Castle is as reviving as it is relaxing ; a countryside gem oozing character and lifted by a clear understanding of the needs and wants of modern-day guests , this hotel defines sophistication while being incredibly easy-going ; no mean feat , and one that will absolutely continue to stand the test of time .
Overnight stays including breakfast at Amberley Castle start from £ 285 per room , based on two sharing . Packages and offers are regularly offered , including meals and treats , so keep an eye on the website . Afternoon tea is served Weds – Sunday between 12.30pm – 5.30pm and costs £ 50 for full afternoon tea ; £ 75 including a glass of Champagne , or £ 85 including a Nyetimber sparkling wine flight . Dinner is served Weds – Sunday , and a three course à la carte menu costs £ 98 .
Amberley Castle Nr Arundel West Sussex BN18 9LT
info @ amberleycastle . co . uk 01798 831 992
www . amberleycastle . co . uk
brownswordhotels amberleycastle & BrownswordHotels
www . insidekent . co . uk • 153