It's all about the honey at Ashdown Park Hotel

Hunny Pot Afternoon Tea at Ashdown Park Hotel

With this year being the 100th anniversary of the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh, Nick Mosley heads to the Ashdown Park Hotel to enjoy their honey-themed treats.

Childhood favourite Winnie-the-Pooh was created by A.A. Milne in the 1920s, inspired by his son Christopher Robin and his cuddly toys. Named after a bear at London Zoo, the character first appeared in 1926 in a book illustrated by E.H. Shepard. The heart-warming stories, set in the Hundred Acre Wood aka East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest, became popular for their gentle humour and memorable characters including anxious Piglet, pessimistic Eeyore and energetic and impulsive Tigger.

In the heart of the forest is the Ashdown Park hotel. Undoubtably one of the most stunning country house hotels in Sussex, Ashdown Park has always been a favourite of mine. Exuding grandeur both inside and out, its had a rich very history.

The grounds at Ashdown Park Hotel

The current stately house was build in the late 1860s in the gothic revival style much loved by the Victorians. Alongside once being a rather grand family home, in subsequent years its been utilised as a hospital and convalescent home for soldiers during the first world war then a convent for nuns which is when the rather spectacular Church of Our Lady and St Richard was added. Later occupants have included the United States International University and Barclays Bank before Elite hotels took over in the 1990s and began converting the house and grounds into luxurious guest rooms, dining spaces, golf course and one of the best spa facilities in southern England.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed some impressive meals in the AA two rosette Anderida restaurant and also the more informal Forest Brasserie both of which showcase the best of local and seasonal produce from our neck of the woods.

I was joined by my pal Allison who knows more about Sussex than most. For once, our afternoon began not in the restaurant but in the spa to enjoy a honey glow facial. This wasn’t my first facial but I have to say it was by far the most relaxing.

Wellness facilities at Ashdown Park Hotel

The spa uses Oskia products which I wasn’t familiar with but definitely worked their magic on my jaded complexion. Before I nearly feel asleep in a state of bliss, I chatted with my therapist as I was cleansed and exfoliated with kelp based creams and oils and – of course – a smidgen of local honey.

As promised on the proverbial tin, we both emerged from our treatment rooms looking radiant and feeling on cloud nine. I clearly need more head and shoulder massages in my life.

With blue skies and warming sunshine, we took a wander through the grounds of the hotel. The main vista from the hotel is a rolling lawn with mature tree planting that leads down to a spectacular lake complete with fountains. There are other hidden gardens to be discovered including the Walled Garden featuring fruit trees and herbal plants alongside the Sunken wildlife-friendly garden and Secret Garden that was in full bloom with a stunning display of Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

Having built up a bit of an appetite it was time for a Pooh themed ‘Hunny Pot’ afternoon tea in the hotel’s sunny lounge. As Pooh says: “What could be more important than a little something to eat?”.

I’m a big fan of afternoon tea and I’ve had more than my fair share in recent months but Ashdown Park’s was not only delicious but truly unique. The classic sandwich combinations – smoked salmon, honey roast ham with homemade chutney and egg mayo – were all present alongside delicious savoury pastries.

Afternoon tea savouries at Ashdown Park Hotel

Allison was a big fan of the honey-glazed pork and apple sausage roll, that she quite rightly exclaimed “knock the socks off a Greggs”.

The sweet fancies were a sight to behold – and taste. Iced honey and orange cake, chocolate and honeycomb choux and an amazing yoghurt and honey mousse set on a ginger biscuit. Each topped with a fun honey-themed confection of comb or buzzing bee.

But the stars of the show were undoubtedly the plain and fruit scones that had a delightful crunch yet were as light as a feather inside. Slathered with clotted cream and jam, I don’t think either of us had ever tasted better.

The Honey Glow Facial is priced at £60 for 45 minutes. The Hunny Pot Afternoon Tea is available daily and priced at £38 per person including unlimited tea. Little ones can enjoy their own afternoon tea for £16. A glass of Champagne is an additional £17 and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available when booked in advance.

I can’t think of a more pleasurable treat day to be had in Sussex, nor a more considered and imaginative afternoon tea offer. Make a date to visit Ashdown Park Hotel this summer because “honey is a very wonderful thing”.

Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross near Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR

01342 824 988 • www.ashdownpark.com