Nearlywed NEWS

from Your Sussex Wedding - June/July 2023 (Issue 103)

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All the latest from around the county

Exciting Move

DOUBLE DELIGHTS FROM THE GRAND HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

The team at The Grand Hotel have certainly been busy these last few weeks! In May, the hotel launched a bespoke London Dry Gin called the Grand Gin, created by Hawkridge Distillers. To coincide with the launch, a range of exciting new signature gin cocktails have been added to its menu offering as well as a selection of gin-infused dishes created by the executive chef – you can never have too much gin if you ask us!

What’s more, in April, in aid of World Earth Day the hotel, which is part of Elite Hotels, decided it was time to take action and improve the beach experience for their visitors with a staff beach clean.

The ‘White Palace’ as the hotel is known to locals is opposite a lovely stretch on Eastbourne’s promenade, so 14 members of hotel staff took to the beach on what was a windy and rainy morning, to help litter pick and clean the beach.

Shining a spotlight on climate change and environmental causes, organisers Billie-Jo Clarke, sales and marketing manager, and Chris Butler, healthclub manager, were inspired to run The Grand Hotel’s first beach clean to help support local businesses along the promenade.

A total of 11 bags of mixed rubbish were collected with all the equipment provided by Neil Peters, Community Recycling Engagement Officer of Environment First, at Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Councils. Learn more at The Grand Hotel at www.grandeastbourne.com

Renowned bridal boutique Fross Wedding Collections moved premises in May to Crockstead Farm Hotel, Uckfield. Owner, Fross says, “For all brides who have appointments booked after this date, have purchased and are awaiting fittings or have stored your dress with us, please don’t worry; we’re only approximately five minutes away by car from where we currently are and contact details will all remain the same. We look forward to welcoming you all at our new boutique.”

Check out www.frossweddingcollections.co.uk

MINI-MOONING IN SUSSEX

Lansdowne House is a Regency guest house recently launched in the East Sussex seaside resort of Hove, located just a three-minute walk to the beach. The townhouse offers four guest bedrooms and a selfcontained two bedroom apartment, situated in a Heritage Conservation area designed by the renowned architect Charles Busby.

Owners Tom and Natalie met in the art world working as specialists at a London auction house. Keen to embrace the seaside lifestyle, they decided to move with their son from East London to the East Sussex coast. The move coincided with the nation entering the pandemic’s first lockdown, just as the housing market came to a halt. So, they spent the next eighteen months renovating the house, filling each room with the collected antiques and design pieces they have amassed during their careers.

Greeted with refreshments upon arrival, guests enter the house via the beautiful hallway with the original sweeping staircase and cast-iron balustrading. Each room has been designed with relaxation in mind, with the use of calming pastel colours and stylish interiors that highlight the period features of the home. Taking inspiration from the heritage of the building, art and antiques can be found throughout.

Pampered Paws

Author and TV Celebrity Lady Colin Campbell has launched a new range of K9 couture wedding and clothing attire: Little Lords & Ladies. We know you’re going to love it as much as we do! Lady C, owner of Castle Goring, Worthing, is also inviting the four-legged loved ones of couples marrying at the castle to join their owners on their special day.

The new collection was established with friend and fellow dog lover, Lisa Carmel, with many of the garments consisting of beautifully lined harnesses onto which ‘extras’ can be added including custom-made ring-bearer pillows allowing couples to have their fur baby play a major role in the union of their owners.

The items have been created with a considerable amount of attention paid to details, like little handkerchiefs tucked into jacket pockets, crisp white shirt collars, detachable custom-made bow ties, flower brooches, pearl and lace trims, all designed and made locally to the Castle by professional dog-loving seamstresses who can also provide a measuring and fitting service.

The full range of Lady C’s Lords & Ladies garments will soon be available on the Castle Goring website although the couture range is available now.

Go to https://castlegoring.com/dogs-at-weddings to find out more.

Natalie and Tom’s passion for good food is evident in the sourcing of local produce for breakfast. Guests can relax with breakfast in bed or venture down to the garden room where double doors open out onto the original walled garden. Weather depending, breakfast can also be served here in the summer months. Lansdowne House is a place to recline, exhale and enjoy the comforts of home.

Visit www.lansdownehousehove.co.uk

Dine And Stay At Sussex Pub

Situated in a busy village in the heart of English Wine Country, The White Hart Wadhurst is a pub and restaurant that celebrates its place in the Sussex countryside by supporting local producers, growers and winemakers across its food and drink offering. Its recent opening also saw the launch of three beautifully designed boutique bedrooms, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in this picturesque area of the Weald and discover the wealth of English vineyards right on the doorstep.

The three rooms feature contemporary takes on classic design with luxury finishes and nods to the surrounding area. Freestanding stone baths, sophisticated Farrow & Ball colour palettes, sumptuous fabrics and crisp linen are complemented by homely additions and views across the Weald. The atmospheric Hart Suite is perfect for a romantic getaway, featuring a sultry dark colour palate, a Lusso stone his-and-hers sink and two-person Lusso stone bath. Panelled walls, hardwood floors and pops of colour from an olive-green wingback king bed and colourful rugs are enhanced by brushed gold accents and far-reaching views over Snape Wood. The Birch bedroom complements earthy greens with black and wood tones, brought together with bronze finishes and botanical prints.

A GLASS, OR TWO...

Meanwhile, the Bewl bedroom pairs deep aubergine walls, a pink-tiled bathroom and natural rattan with gold leaf and bamboo patterned wallpaper. Each room is soundproofed, and guests can enjoy fresh banana bread and a bottle of English sparkling wine on arrival. Bed and breakfast starts from £150 per couple; while dinner, bed and breakfast starts from £220 per couple. Check out www.thewhitehartwadhurst.com

Mannings Heath Estate near Horsham in West Sussex has opened a delightful new Wine Lounge and Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant. Your Sussex Wedding editor, Kelly Andrews, went along to find out more.

The stylish and welcoming spaces here offer guests a memorable dining experience that'll have you going back for more! There are a wealth of dining options such as lunch and afternoon tea, including a range of food and wine pairings featuring wines from Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa, which I can highly recommend.

Penny Streeter OBE is the owner of the Benguela Collection wine and hospitatlity group, which includes Mannings Heath Estate and nearby Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, as well as the Benguela Cove vineyards. "The new Wine Lounge is the cellar door of the award-winning Benguela Cove wines," says Barry Anderson, estate managing director. Indeed, the wine theme has been carried throughout the new dining areas, which cater to a range of events including hen parties and intimate weddings. The Wine Lounge can accommodate 24 guests, while the Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant seats up to 50, with comfortable sofa seating available in both areas.

With an oh-so modern palette of soft sage green, these spaces also feature subtle nods to the property's heritage via the fittings and features. Combined with the ample outdoor space and breathtaking views, this is the perfect spot to celebrate any event, from raising a glass to the arrival of the weekend to gathering for your nuptials.

The venue will be hosting a wedding showcase open day on Sunday 1st October, 2023. So, keep your eyes on the website for further details to be released nearer the time: www.manningsheath.com