The Star Inn Alfriston

I know I'm just adding to the many five star reviews, but having spent a lovely night at the Star, I feel I want to tell people about it. First of all, reservations were incredibly helpful: we had to cancel our booking for December as I was in hospital with flu, but as we had been given a voucher that was already past its expiry date, I didn't know if they would be happy to honour it. They were. Our room (juliet balcony in the 60s block) was beautifully done, the furnishings felt solid and were well looked after. The bed was so comfortable I asked where the mattress was from (we need a new mattress), and Alex (who was at breakfast the next morning) told me. The bed linen felt lovely, the shower was a decent pressure. It felt like a real treat to come back from dinner and for the bathroom to have been cleaned, and everything tidied. Every member of staff we came across was helpful and friendly, and seemed to enjoy working there. The open fires in winter (it was very cold that weekend!) were a delight, but our room was also very warm. I loved everything from the guides for several local walks (in a convenient wallet) in each room, to the design of things like the water carafes (which I now want at home!) It was a joy to have piles of books in all the rooms, and the library was great for afternoon tea and to sit in after dinner. I loved the magnifying mirror in the bathroom (brilliant touch). The food was good but not great - we enjoyed the meal (salmon and avocado, followed by pork tenderloin in my case, steak in my husband's) but would agree with some comments that the starter was very chilled. Breakfast was also fine. I would return in a heartbeat, the village is charming (I wondered whether the Polizzi design touch has spread) and the walks in the area are stunning. It's hard to fault for a weekend away, and I'm sure that has something to do with the fact that the owners are very present.