The Star Alfriston

The newest offering from the Polizzi Collection and the first collaboration between mother and daughter (Olga and Alex — of TV hotel inspector fame), The Star at Alfriston is everything you'd expect from a pedigree of this calibre. The oldest part of the building (the original coaching inn) dates back to the 15th century and is filled with glorious period features including ancient beams, huge stone fireplaces, wonky floors and much more. The newer addition (which was added to the property when it was part of Olga's father's Forte Heritage Hotels) has had a major face-lift too. The ground floor now boasts floor to ceiling windows and all the bedrooms feature beautiful English wallpapers, lovely fabrics by Richard Smith, and a clever mix of both contemporary and antique furnishings. The overall effect is charming, and comfortable and the attention to detail is evident in all the extra little touches like plentiful hangers and luxurious toiletries. As you'd expect from an old coaching inn, there's the original pub, where food is served from 11-6, but we'd advise heading straight for the main restaurant. It's a buzzing place filled with both residents and locals and the food is superb. Head chef Tim Kensett has honed his craft working in the likes of The River Cafe in London, and he's clearly on top form here too. The ingredients are sourced from as close by as possible and the ethos is for unfussy dishes which allow the flavours to shine through. Alfriston is a charming medieval town in the heart of the East Sussex Downs, so you're well placed here for a quiet break with excellent walking and plenty of interesting villages and country houses to explore. It's also really handy for Glyndebourne! If you're looking for a country escape from London or a romantic getaway, The Star will not disappoint. It oozes with understated elegance and charm and makes for the perfect classy stay that epitomises all that the Polizzis stand for: comfortable accommodation that's beautifully done, but not stuffy, accompanied by great food and top service.

 

Written by Hugh Graham-Watson

• Garden
• Courtyard garden where food is served all day
• Restaurant
• Tim Kensett from The River Cafe is head chef
• Pet friendly
• Some rooms are pet friendly £25 per dog
• Disabled access
• A few rooms are adapted - enquire
• Sit-out Terrace
• Good wine list
• Private dining room
• Bicycle hire
• Library

• Cots available
• Outdoor dining
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Wedding license
• Bar
• Parking
• Wifi
• Suites
• Child friendly

• Great walks
• This is fabulous walking country, with paths leading from the property in all directions
• Wine tasting
• Visit the local Rathfinny Vineyard and taste the best of English wines
• Sights nearby
• Brighton with its beach, shops and much more is a short drive

• Museums
• Charleston, home of Vanessa Bell is nearby
• Other Activities
• Glyndebourne is just 10 miles away
• Cycling

Why do people love staying in your hotel? The Star was recently renovated, and showcases Olga Polizzi’s inimitable style. We have lots of return guests who come back for the excellent service that we provide. The Star is perfectly located for walkers, and culture lovers, as it is close to The South Downs, Glyndebourne, Charleston and the Towner Gallery

What is there to do in the area? This is a wonderful area for walking, with numerous routes from the hotel, along the Cuckmere River, the coastal path, through Friston Forest and across The South Downs. Charleston Farmhouse is always worth a visit, and there are other Bloomsbury related treasures such as Monks House and Berwick Church. There is Glyndebourne for opera lovers. The historic town of Lewes is nearby, with its wonderful shops and atmosphere. Eastbourne is also close by, with the Towner Gallery, which this year will host the Turner Prize.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We have breakfast options for everyone – from a Full English to slow cooked tomatoes on sourdough and poached & seasonal fruits.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Star. For local dining, we recommend Fork in Lewes, The Ram in Firle, The Plough and Harrow in Litlington, The Eight Bells in Jevington and Pomodoro e mozzarella in Eastbourne.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have rooms for everybody. For a 15th century experience, we have the Heritage Room. Room 28 has double aspect windows. Those travelling with dogs prefer a Classic terrace room.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We have 8 sets of interconnecting rooms which are ideal for families. Extra beds and cots can be added to rooms.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? What I hear time and time again, is how much this area of England has to offer. I love introducing people to the glory of the South Downs and its rich cultural heritage. Alex Polizzi.