Town & Country Retreat
Guests are invited to experience the best in town, staying in the heart of Mayfair at Brown’s Hotel, followed by the best of the country, staying at The Star, in the pretty village of Alfriston in East Sussex.
These two hotels are connected by their Olga Polizzi design, their heritage, style and service, in very different must-see locations in the South of England.
Guests will arrive in Mayfair for a two night stay in a newly designed Junior Suite at Brown’s Hotel with Champagne in room on arrival. There are a variety of exclusive activities for guests to choose from during their central London sojourn. Brown’s can provide the opportunity to go behind the scenes at The Royal Opera House or The Royal Ballet for a fascinating backstage tour or rehearsal experience. Alternatively, discover hidden gems in London’s most art-centric district, with a Mayfair Art Tour hosted by Art historian and broadcaster, Maeve Doyle, that includes out-of-hours access to the Royal Academy of Arts. A Royal Warrants Tour begins at Fortnum & Mason. Historian Andy Williamson is also offering an enlightening guided literary walk around Mayfair. On Thursday evenings, enjoy a cocktail and live music at After Dark Jazz in the Drawing Room at Brown’s. Dinner and Breakfast will be served at Charlie’s, the renowned modern British restaurant at Brown’s, run by acclaimed chef Adam Byatt.
There is the option of travel from Albemarle Street to Alfriston by train or chauffeur driven car. It is a 2.5 hour drive by car to The Star or a 1.5 hour train journey (from London Victoria) followed by a 20 minute car journey from the station to the hotel.
The Star, owned and run by mother daughter duo, Olga and Alex Polizzi, is situated at the foot of the South Downs, in the charming medieval village of Alfriston; a place that boasts numerous antique shops, boutiques and even an award-winning independent bookshop. There are fabulous walks from The Star, across the South Downs, over the Seven Sisters, along the Cuckmere River and through Friston Forest (there are printed walking maps in each bedroom). Guests staying at the Star will enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotel, exploring the menu of British seasonal dishes with Italian influences.
The Star will organise a range of visits and activities to enhance your stay. Rathfinny Estate, just a short walk from The Star, is a renowned vineyard that makes exceptional, award-winning sparkling wines. A private tour and tasting is available, giving guests the chance to explore this premium, B corp certified, vineyard located on a south-facing slope in the South Downs with incredible views.
This is Bloomsbury Group country, so no stay would be complete without a private tour of Charleston, the fascinating former home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, where they lived, worked and entertained fellow intellectuals, artists and writers. A half hour walk across the fields from The Star is Berwick Church, where you can see murals by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Those who prefer to explore on two wheels, rather than on foot, can take in the beauty of the South Downs on a mountain biking excursion, hosted by expert guides, MTB (electric or regular mountain bikes are available for hire).
If you are interested in the night sky, Astronomer Jane Green hosts bespoke stargazing experiences from The Star (for groups of up to 4 people), so guests can see the wonderful constellations, galaxies and clusters, especially visible in this Dark Skies area of outstanding natural beauty.
Art is central to a stay at The Star, and Olga Polizzi’s collection of artworks in the hotel is a joy in itself, with works by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Visit the renowned gallery, Towner Eastbourne, which recently hosted the Turner Prize, and is home to the largest collection of works by Eric Ravilious, where you will be taken behind the scenes into the art store for a one hour long tour led by a member of the extremely knowledgeable gallery team.
From April until October, Farleys House, the former home of the model and photographer, Lee Miller (recently played by Kate Winslet in the critically acclaimed film, ‘Lee’) is open to visitors. Tours of the house are available, as well as private talks with Antony Penrose, the son of Lee Miller.
Town & Country Retreat
The Town and Country Retreat includes two nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at Brown’s Hotel, two nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at The Star, transport from Mayfair to Alfriston (either by train or car), guest’s choice of 2-6 bespoke tours/visits. Price on application.
