Cbh the Alfriston

Just everything about Deans Place is outstanding, the hotel, the staff, the location and the breakfast is just off the chart fantastic, highly recommend a stay and a walk around this beautiful village.

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

We have just had the best over night stay in the new Alfriston. We were able to use the spa facilities at our leisure and the attention to detail across the hotel did not go unnoticed. Every lick of paint and piece of furniture had been considered and cared for. The atmosphere is quiet and serene and the relaxation area did just what it promised! Steam room and sauna were private for our stay mid week and we enjoyed wandering the spa and catching up as a couple. The pool was heated which made all the difference too. At check in we received two glasses of the local Chenin blanc. Helen checked us in and took the time to speak to us genuinely, she was particularly friendly and knowledgeable. She took us to our room where we were shown the communal snacks area and homemade short bread was hanging on our door in a hessian bag. Subtle yet hugely appreciated touches. The room had a huge bed and a beautiful view of the rolling South Downs hills. The bathroom was clean and refreshing with an incredible shower. In the room we received a hand written welcome note as well as a bottle Madeira. All of the breakfast staff were also great, very friendly. There was a great range of treats and the mushrooms and tomatoes were perfection! Would 100% recommend and we will be back!