Spotlight on…Gravetye Manor, coming back from the brink

It’s fair to say Gravetye Manor, the 3 red AA star, 3 AA rosette hotel near East Grinstead, West Sussex, has had a tempestuous couple of years in these difficult economic times. For a while, as the hotel was plunged into administration in January 2010, the future looked bleak, but hope was restored in March in the form of an enthusiastic guest Jeremy Hosking, co-founder of the London hedge fund Marathon Asset Management. He knew the hotel well as a guest and loved the place, and was willing to invest commercially and emotionally. Hosking bought the hotel for an undisclosed sum, and has revealed plans to return the property to amongst the finest country house hotels in the country.

The property retains its Relais and Chateaux membership status, and over the next few years the historic building and gardens will be carefully restored. We fully expect it to re-acquire its Michelin star in the next ratings as well.

Established at one of the first country house hotels in 1958, the 18-bedroom hotel is set within an Elizabethan manor house, surrounded by 35-acres of historic and award-winning gardens.

Chef Rupert Gleadow heads up the team in the beautiful oak-panelled Restaurant, offering a modern British menu with 95% of the summer fruit and vegetables provided by the kitchen garden in the grounds. Alfresco dining is also available.

DR Members: Member dines complimentary lunch and dinner, Monday – Thursday