The Star, Alfriston

About

This striking grade II Listed 15th century building in the medieval village of Alfriston, reopened in June 2021 after an extensive renovation, with Olga and Alex Polizzi at the helm.  Alfriston is in the South Downs National Park, close to the historic town of Lewes and to both Glyndebourne Opera House and Charleston.  Walking and cycling aroundd the Cuckmere Valley is a great way to take in the incredible surrounding landscape of the Seven Sisters and the South Downs.  The hotel can recommend cycle hire, walking routes, and can even provide a rucksack picnic for guests to take on a day out.

The 29 bedrooms have been designed in Olga Polizzi's style, using contemporary furniture and local antiques, English wallpapers and fabrics by Richard Smith, with splashes of vibrant colours and textures.

The front of the hotel, knows as The Inn, opens onto the High Street and offers relaxed all day dining wiht local beers, open fires and oak beams.  The library is a sanctuary for guests to enjoy a cup of tea or something stronger, play one of the board games or take a moment to read a book from the bookshelves.  The library has a secret door that opens onto the restaurant at the heart of the hotel.  The restaurant has its own inner courtyard and Walled Garden, reated as a lovely spot for warm weather dining; this highlight of the hotel has a Mediterranean feel, with interesting climbing plants, lots of terracotta pots and unique trellises made by the local blacksmith.  The restaurant serves simple, unfussy dishes with a focus on clairty of flavour, and the ever-changing seasonal menus untilise the abundance of exceptional Sussex produce.