hotel review
Steeped in history, the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa has to be one of the loveliest eating places around.
Spread Eagle Hotel S
et in the heart of the historic market town of Midhurst and dating back to 1430,
the Spread Eagle is one of the oldest surviving coaching inns in the country. The quintessentially English historic hotel offers the best of both worlds: delights such as ancient oak beams and leaded-light windows paired with every contemporary comfort.
The perfect balance of old and new continues into the fine dining restaurant where new head chef Richard Cave-Toye’s accomplished menu of modern classic British cuisine is served in the hotel’s historic restaurant. From a romantic dinner for two to a special family lunch, the candlelit restaurant with its huge inglenook fireplace is the perfect venue for every occasion. During the summer and on finer days the hotel’s inner courtyard offers a discreet spot for al fresco dining.
One of the keys to the Spread Eagle’s success is the use of quality, locally sourced ingredients in the menu. They have great relationships with local suppliers, some of whom have been working with the Spread Eagle for many years. The suppliers know exactly what is required and deliver excellent produce
surrey magazine summer 2016 77
every time, ensuring that the high standards of the hotel and restaurant are continually delivered. From field, or sea, to fork it is a real team effort. The countryside surrounding the Spread Eagle is not only some of the most beautiful in the country but also some of the most bountiful.
Seated in the atmospheric candlelit restaurant we were spoilt for choice. For Starters I selected delicious Whole Frilled Scallops with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree and Chips, crispy Parma Ham and Sprout Leaves while my partner enjoyed Roast Pigeon Tartlet with Parsnip Puree, Spinach, Girolle Mushrooms and Truffle Oil. For Mains we selected 8 ounce Donald Russell Scottish Sirloin and Rib Eye Steaks both served with Triple Cooked Chips, Herb Butter, Charred Corn and Onion Rings. Then we rounded
off with Warm Chocolate Fondant with Pistachio Ice Cream followed by coffee and homemade petit fours. The perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, The Spread Eagle has 39 bedrooms and suites all individually designed and decorated. Many are furnished with antiques, reflecting the history of the hotel. There are fascinating stories associated with some of the rooms, such as the White Room with its secret passage reputably used as an escape route by smugglers and those fleeing the pressgang, and the Queen’s Suite with its unique wig closet.
Part of a small group of privately owned Historic Sussex Hotels, The Spread Eagle is perfect for lovers of good food and traditional English hospitality – and it’s not every day you can claim to have dined in the same hotel as royalty, for it is said Queen Elizabeth was a guest here in 1591.
The Spread Eagle, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU 299NH.
For further details call 01730 816911 or visit
www.hshotels.co.uk.
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