Cbh the Alfriston

We have just had the best over night stay in the new Alfriston. We were able to use the spa facilities before check in at 4pm. The atmosphere is quiet and serene. No drinks by the pool which was a bit of a shame but the pool was heated which made all the difference. At check in we received two glasses of the local Chenin blanc and were served by two very friendly staff members. Tamas the GM was particularly friendly and knowledgable. He carried my bag to our room where we were shown the communal snacks cupboard and homemade short bread was hanging on our door in a hessian bag. The room had a huge bed and a beautiful view of the pool backed by the rolling South Downs hills. In the room we received a hand written welcome note as well as a bottle of Madeira. Aiden the bar man in the evening was also great, very friendly. The only criticism I would give is the place needs a good jet wash! The bricks on the terrace and stones by the pool were very dusty, I assume from the recent renovation. And the car park is a bit like a building site. But neither impacted our joyous stay there. Would 100% recommend and we will be back!

We had a wonderful dinner at the 1554 Brasserie at The Alfriston last night and I couldn’t recommend it more. The Foccacia bread brought out before the starters was absolutely beautifully baked and we could not fault any of the dishes that we had afterwards. Special shout out for the cauliflower steak which unlike other places I have been where I have been given a small slice of a cauliflower it was huge and cooked to perfection. The creme brulee cheesecake was also amazing. Honestly cannot wait to return and to stay overnight soon. Also should add that the service was so good, staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly.

Great experience. Looked after really well by Tamas and his team. Food was lovely. Highlight for me was breakfast. Great to be so close to Brighton & Eastbourne. And just a 45 min walk to the beach. Will be great to return when the spa is complete.

Amazing stay. The hotel looks incredible, and it was amazing to be in the first group of people to stay. The room was clean, comfy and very quirky, the pool was amazing and warm enough to swim in, the restaurant was gorgeous, and the food divine... special thanks to Poppy, who made sure our meal was very enjoyable we wanted for nothing. Some elements of the hotel are being finalised, but it didn't affect our stay, and I actually enjoyed feeling like we had a sneak peek, into what I think will be a very special hotel. Can't wait to go back.

Really lovely stay for our anniversary ... reception team welcomed us with wine... and showed us personally to our room. Room was beautiful and with views over a lovely pool which is heated. We had an excellent dinner in the restaurant and the staff were really attentive and helpful. Food was so good and we would definitely go again and definitely recommend for romantic stay. Fabulous breakfast

Firstly, this is a review on the restaurant and secondly I have waited a week since being sent a review request which I chose "private" not "public" in order to allow The Alfriston to respond privately to me . Seeing as there has no been no response and our custom means nothing, here goes .... I had booked a table for 4 for a Sunday lunchtime , this was a special treat for my parents . On arrival we were shown to our table and restaurant ( 1pm) was just starting to fill up , only just , there were perhaps 4 or 5 tables already there . The lovely waitress bought the menus over and specials leaflet . Nothing available on the specials , first blip but ok these things happen but why bring that menu over ? Moving on , wine , gave list to my dad to chose ( special occassion) first two bottles , not available . Myself, wanted a tonic water, asked what was available , Fever Tree ? Yes, great . What flavours do you have ? Came back , we don't have any Tonic , there is the Lemonade , ok I'll have that to speed things up . Wait . More waiting. Eventually starters turn up , partner and dad had prosciutto/parmesan combo ....small plate , slither of ham and approx 4 shavings of parmesan . That's it . Garnish/rocket/fancy drizzle of something/presentation/thought??? No, that was it . Comical ...but let's not be embarrassed, move on ....mains, me a roast beef , food cold which I only found out after emptying my extra cauliflower cheese onto plate ( extra cost) , plate returned minus a replacement side , hotter, let's move on. Partners and dad's pork meal tepid at best . Onto mothers...chicken milanese ....mum "what vegetables do you have?" ..waitress "I don't know " , mum "perhaps something green?" Waitress "we could do peas ". Arrives ...the thinnest escalope of breaded chicken with fried egg on top and no kidding a big (about 6 servings) of peas in a pot on her plate, and they were cold . By this time I was mortified that a special meal could be so awful , I could have cried . When we asked for condiments ( no salt and pepper on table ) we asked for horseradish and mustard ...one TINY ( 3 teaspoons?) of horseradish & same of mustard . Seriously? The nail in the coffin was seeing the chef come out to the table next to us ( arrived after us along with other tables arriving after & served quicker ..forgot that bit) and high fiving/fist bumping people he obviously knew . I could not face pudding or coffee, the whole thing was awful . We felt dreadfully sorry for the waitress who in effect was thrown into a lions den to deal with a kitchen/restaurant that is at least a few months away from being "ready" for a Sunday lunch service unless you are known friends etc etc . If the chef could come out like the all conquering victor to his friends table , he could come over and apologise for the awful meal we had ! Your restaurant staff were dreadfully sorry and embarrassed as we were. All that said 2 mains were taken off the bill . Your place is beautif