SBT Lifestyle

BLANCH HOUSE REVIEW

BY VISITBRIGHTON.COM

BOLNEY WINE ESTATE REVIEW

BY SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

Blanch House review

The hotel industry have been knocked sideways by the coronavirus restrictions and Blanch House is leading the way in demonstrating resilience and true British spirit in adapting and re-thinking their business to maintain their top reputation amongst the Brighton elite.

In my view, Blanch

Lifestyle House is Brighton’s best original boutique hotel. The hotel has juxtaposed style and modernity with the luxurious feeling that only comes from a grade II listed building in a historical Georgian town house. The fact that the location is so close to the centre of Brighton is such a massive bonus that this is fast becoming my all-time favourite hotel. Situated in a quiet street, it has all the benefits of a city break yet with the intimate feel of a Cotswold country cottage.

I have reviewed this hotel before and was interested to see if and how they were able to manage the changes required of them in the current climate. I was blown away to observe that not only have they managed to achieve a safe, clean, carefully regulated hotel, but that this has not in any way affected the quality of service and attention to detail to deliver a high end, decadent experience like no other.

I visit many hotels as part of my reviews but I find myself comparing even the largest, seemingly highest rated hotels in Sussex with this one, and they consistently fail to meet Blanch House’s high standards. It is hard to articulate just how they manage to present rooms with a warm home from home feel, balanced with modern state of the art décor which would sit proudly on any influencers’ Instagram feed. I visited with my partner and I arrived exhausted and ready for a rest. Whilst I have high standards, I would not expect a hotel to bear the brunt of changing my entire mood overnight. But it genuinely, almost immediately, felt like I had arrived home, and someone had given me a warm loving hug and a hot chocolate. In this case it was cleverly disguised as a glass of champagne which we enjoyed at the Champagne and Cocktail bar downstairs before we settled in.

We were placed in the Legacia Room, coincidentally perfectly chosen for a lover of Art Deco like me. The finer details found in the lamps, pillows and even the excellently chosen old wardrobe were just magnificent. It is obvious that the interior design is carefully thought through

and flows logically and consistently throughout the room. I was delighted to discover a side-view of the sea, a truly welcome surprise.

The room also delivered on every other level. Wi-fi, flat screen TV, teas and coffees and even a hand made selection of fresh shortbread suggested that the owners think of everything their customers might need or want to enjoy their stay.

The bathroom was another realm to discover with a huge roll top bath and modern waterfall shower, both of which I had the luxury of using whilst I was there. There were complimentary Aromatherapy Associates toiletries to use, as well as warm fresh towels and soft fluffy bathrobes. All of these combined were so welcome and a fantastic way to unwind and relax into the huge crisp-sheeted bed for a most excellent night’s sleep.

To get up to a delicious continental breakfast with amazing fresh coffee in a large breakfast room was just divine and finished off what was a perfect, much needed break.

The breakfast room, named the Belle Epoque Suite doubles as a business conference room and the hotel are still safely managing to run small wedding ceremonies in a true testament to their spirit and their resolve to “keep calm and carry on.”

True credit must be paid to the owners of this fine establishment who are a beacon of hope for all of us during these difficult times. I am sure that

hotels in Brighton have struggled during this time if they are not able to ensure guests feel safe and cared for. Blanch House staff, in my observations, provide meticulous attention to detail when it comes to cleanliness and maintaining a COVID secure environment. The trick seems to me, which other hotels overwhelmingly fail at, is to provide this, yet still maintain a homely, welcoming atmosphere. Blanch House is leading the way in setting a path for us all to follow in returning to a new normal. It is clear to me in these trying times, and through Blanch House’s example, that despite the cold, clinical, inflexible procedures we all have to follow, there is still room to show care and compassion for each other. Blanch House has that in abundance which is why it is my top recommendation for Brighton hotels.

Relax in style and enjoy the exclusive Blanch House experience. Whether it is for business or pleasure, we believe that nothing is too much trouble for our guests. Visit www.blanchhouse.co.uk

Bolney Wine Estate review

This month has seen widespread change in the hospitality industry, with many companies forced to adapt their business models to suit up to date lockdown measures and social distancing rules.

One such company

Lifestyle is the Bolney Wine Estate, although we were extremely lucky to have been invited during the “in between” period in October. We were able to attend in person and it almost felt, dare I say, normal. We opted for the Ultimate Food and Wine Tasting with Tour and it was a most decadent, luxurious affair.

Given the huge acres of vineyards it was easy to maintain a distance and enjoy a leisurely stroll where we were almost able to forget the constant reminders of the rules. It was an exquisite afternoon packed with mouth-watering deliciousness, and an impressive presentation of historical facts regarding the vineyard and general wine production at large. The Estate itself, started in 1972, demonstrates respect and understanding of the roots and growth of the vines, and the knowledgeable staff obviously care for and offer the best possible conditions for the most fruitful vines. In consequence, they are able to offer the most delicious array of local wines I have ever tasted.

The Tour itself was truly informative, and a fantastic opportunity to learn the background of the vineyard itself, its growth and commitment as a business, and indeed just how reliant the wine industry is on our own unstable weather conditions. For that alone, the vineyard is a shining example of how to learn to adapt your business when events outside of your control change, in this case, as often as the weather. The resilience demonstrated in bad weather years is breathtaking and we would all do well to consider the abilities of the wine industry itself as examples of how to re-think and strategize when things don’t go our way. The opportunity to walk in and around the picturesque vines, and to venture inside the cuttingedge winery provides opportunity for some great networking opportunities in a refined, elegant environment.

Following the tour, and for us the major highlight, was the tutored tasting of the wine itself. Each of the five wines we tasted were complemented by a generous sample of local cheeses.

The wines and pairs were: • Pinot Noir 2018, matched with

Sussex Brie. • Pinot Gris 2018 with Sussex Cheddar. • Lychgate Red 2018 matched with Bulcan

Blue Cheese. A most excellent pairing and probably my personal favourite. • Blanc De Blancs 2016 matched with smoked trout.

• Eighteen Acre Rose (sparkling)

mixed with Sister Sarah Goats Cheese • Bolney Estate Gin.

Genuinely delightful, each of the tastings were generous and selected knowledgeably, creating a true symphony of tastes which made us determined to purchase many pairings to replicate at home. The corporate businesses using this as a networking opportunity would do well to warn their clients to keep some pocket money aside for the likely spending needed in the shop afterwards! Finally the two course lunch was divine and not too heavy after such a liquid effort. A delicious mezze board and the chance to buy a glass or two of the wine of your choice, amounted to a fine afternoon indeed. The staff were friendly and polite and maintained a relaxed atmosphere, allowing us to order from our table bottles (or indeed crates) to take away with us. We visited the shop after which may have been a financial error. I am not sure if it was the lazy liquid lunch or the dazzling array of delicious treats but we managed to stock up on some incredible Christmas gifts and indulge in even more personal shopping which will see us through lockdown 2 and Christmas combined.

In true Bolney Estate style, the owners have adapted their wine tours to now include Virtual Tours which are a must for any company looking for safe alternative Christmas events. You will certainly not be disappointed with the product range. The wine, any additional products you order and the tasting pack will be sent to you in advance. You can then log in to a virtual wine and product tasting with your household and get to take part in an online virtual tasting event to rival any office Christmas party.

I would also personally recommend the hampers which are truly the most indulgent, decadent hampers I have ever seen. Tailored for specific recipients, such as Gin Lovers or Charcuterie Hampers, there are also some Christmas hampers which would be fantastic as a corporate gift in lieu of an office party, or just to graze on as a final goodbye to 2020 for you and your family.

The tour was thoroughly magical and I wish the Bolney Estate all the best in having them up and running again soon. In the meantime though, this company is truly a yardstick for Sussex businesses in how to adapt to maintain steady spending, seemingly without any compromise on quality. I would thoroughly recommend making the Bolney Wine Estate tour or products part of your 2020 Christmas plans.

Pioneers of English wine. Located in the heart of rural Sussex, Bolney Wine Estate is one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in England. Visit www.bolneywineestate.com