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