The Spread Eagle Hotel

I lived in Midhurst for a couple of years and this became one of my favourite places to visit. Its one of the most beautiful, historic pub/​hotels in England.
The hotel is a strange, but complimentary mix of styles. The old part of the pub is my favourite; huge, open fire-​places, suits of armour, wooden beams, gently chiming grandfather clocks and a very laid back and peaceful atmosphere.
There’s something very calming about the whole place in fact, some people might find this annoying as the service can be quite slow, but i think its one of those very rare and unspoilt establishments where you can feel the weight of history around you.
There are several dining areas, the main restaurant has some beautiful, historic features and is generally quite quiet and welcoming. The food has always been very good but this is not a cheap place to visit. Staying at the hotel is very expensive but the rooms are stunning. Weddings seem to account for a lot of the Hotel’s income and most of the rooms are let for wedding parties.
The newer buildings have been created sympathetically. The large conservatory/​glass house is subtly grand but not stuffy.
There is also a modern spa which is small and expensive. Its feels exclusive and is generally very quiet and perhaps thats just something that exclusivity brings.
The Jacobean hall is a beautiful space and again is a favourite for wedding receptions.
This is definitely a well heeled hotel, some might think it posh or too expensive but it does attract a complete mix of people, american tourists, the polo set, general passing trade, locals and those interested in historic and beautiful buildings.
If you’re passing through Midhurst in Summer or Winter I really recommend stopping at The spread Eagle. There something quite special about the place.
Piers

charming hotel. the rooms are nice, but small and not the best feature. however, if you like the olde worlde hotel feel, then this will charm you. recommend the restaurant. its intimate, with fine wines, fine food, dangerously seductive cheeseboard, and a very good table service from staff who clearly know what they are doing, who work well as a Team, (better than our Olympic 4×100 metre relay Team.!) and seem to really enjoy their work.

THERE is one dilemma above all others which confronts traditional and respected eating establishments in conservative and rural areas. How do you introduce contemporary menus to attract a new generation of diners — without alienating your existing customers? For each restaurant, the answer will be slightly different.
One of my favourite Sussex hotels the Spread Eagle at Midhurst has come up with its own, unique solution. The Spread is traditional to its core. A wonderful family-​run business which dates back, in part, to 1430 — when it was a noted coaching inn. Over the succeeding centuries it has grown and matured like some fine oak — out of which timber much of it was hewn. But although it has a timeless air, the Spread has always been at the cutting edge of innovation.
Its spa and conservatory were the last major additions, neatly crafted into the historic building. Now the menu in the wonderful dining room is coming under the spotlight. But the hotel knows its valued clients well. Remove their favourites and you might just lose them too.
So it has taken the extraordinary step of launching two parallel menus.
The Midhurst ‘Traditional’ has everything a regular would expect. This might include Selsey crab or Sussex asparagus to start with. Main course suggestions are whole grilled lemon sole or steamed steak and oyster pudding. While the desserts are firm favourites — warm baked Bramley apple crumble with vanilla ice cream being one such option. But on the other side will be something new and innovative. The Chef ‘s menu. Frankly, this new option is long overdue. It will appeal to all those who love TV’s Masterchef or who have real appetite for something more contemporary.
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Having had a rather hearty full English breakfast in Chichester, my girlfriend & I decided to skip lunch & go for broke with an «full English» afternoon tea in Midhurst after visiting the Cowdray ruins earlier. OK, it wasn’t cheap — we went for the cream tea with extra cake & biscuits for £19.50 for the 2 of us. We could have gone elsewhere & saved a bit but to hell with the expense — we were on holiday!
The hotel is wonderful with a grand atmosphere. We sat out in the conservatory & awaited the arrival of out tea. 15 mins later & 4 scones, a large bowl of clotted cream, 4 mini pots of Tiptree Raspberry jam, 2 flat round shortbreads, 2 round chocolate biscuits, 2 pieces of date cake, a large pot of tea, extra water, milk & assorted sugar cubes were placed on a large tray before us! The scones & biscuits were obviously fresh & by the time it came to the biscuits, we were both moving a little slower!
There was also a wedding reception taking place. I walked past where the staff were putting the finishing touches on the deserts with pride & care. Leilah walked past earlier & said that the beef looked & smelt spectacular. Well worth the money!

Set on the outskirts of Midhurst in East Sussex, this top quality rural hotel is a mini oasis of relaxing luxury. Comprising of an old manor house which has been kept authentic and tasteful, a health spa offering treatments, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a world class restaurant and gorgeous old country bar with huge leather sofas and a moose head on the wall, there is no better place for getting away from it all within an hour of London.
The rooms themselves are antique-​cool, with a fresh, clean and traditional yet funky feel. The food in the restaurant is simply outstanding: melting smoked salmon and beer-​battered oyster or hearty smoked ham and haddock fish-​cake with a poached egg and béarnaise for starters, ranging to delicate lemon sole and rich moist calf’s liver for mains. Everything is so well-​cooked and taken from the finest local produce.
If you’re looking for that ultimate relaxing weekend break, treat yourself. You won’t be disappointed.