South Lodge Hotel

Brighton Road, Nr. Horsham, West Sussex

Resting on the boundless green of the West Sussex countryside, with views stretching all the way to the Seven Sisters, South Lodge is the kind of place you come to really relax. The imposing neo-Jacobean country manor has benefited from a recent renovation, resulting in plush though tasteful rooms that manage to strike that often-elusive balance of period charm and modern comfort. Each of the 89 rooms is unique, and from the spacious wood-beamed suites with chiselled four-poster beds to a teeny room sprawled over two storeys, all are utterly desirable. The junior suites boast some of the largest and well-equipped bathrooms known to mankind – think flat-screen televisions and waterfalls, rather than showers. Plenty of nooks and crannies throughout the manor lend themselves to burrowing away with a book, but plant yourself by one of the many windows lining the property’s rear for the best views and to soak up the sunshine. Enjoy afternoon tea on the patio, or romp around the extensive grounds in a pair of the pink wellies that line up in the entrance hall. No doubt you’ll work up a hearty appetite, leaving you in perfect stead for The Pass, a restaurant whose ultra-modern feel reinforces the eclectic nature of the property. Twenty-two diners sit literally ‘on the pass’ of this open-concept kitchen, observing chef Matt Gillan’s remarkable composure as he runs the service. Choose between the six or eight course tasting menus to tantalise and challenge your taste buds: a mushroom tart is drizzled with savoury chocolate oil and walnuts, while salmon carpaccio is served with crab and pepper cannelloni and a horseradish cream. The combinations might be unorthodox, but they come together harmoniously – as does the scrumptious banana parfait with gingerbread ice cream and pistachio crumb. Back in your room sink into the plump, handmade mattress and peruse yet another menu – the pillow menu – for perfectly sweet and, depending on your choice, lavender-scented dreams.

Foodie diversion Westons Farm Shop (01403 791228; westonsfarmshop.co.uk) sells home-made cakes and pavlovas.

Come here for traditional country house character with all the modern conveniences, and a three AA rosette restaurant.

Details Double from £165; £60 for a six-course tasting menu, £75 for eight courses.