Last week I took George away for the night to a gorgeous little hotel in Camber Sands, right on the Sussex Kent border. It was an early Christmas pressie that I'd been planning for a while, firstly as a nice break away from uni towards the end of term and secondly as he's hard to buy for and I wanted to do something a little different. I managed to get him on to the train and halfway there before giving in and telling him where we were going which I was very proud of!!
The train took us through some very desolate countryside from Brighton to Rye and we ended up at a train station pretty much in the middle of nowhere. There wasn't a taxi in sight and every company that we called from the taxi board outside the station had seemingly decided to have the day off but it was an experience to say the least!!
We eventually arrived at the seaside retreat, taken straight out of the Hamptons, and were taken though to our 'bigger' room. The Gallivant has had a makeover since its bucket and spade motel days and is now filled with whitewash floorboards, driftwood art, big fluffy beds and homely touches. All of the rooms feel calming, clean and distinctly coastal, and little touches like retro phones, rubber ducks in the bath and mini pots of cookies add a sense of personality and charm. Here's a little tour of our room...
We were invited to afternoon tea at 4 o'clock and of course could not refuse! We were treated to pecan slices, white chocolate coated flapjacks and tea and coffee, all served out of nautical themed china. So delish!
We headed back to the room after tea for a little bit of chill out time. We took full advantage of bubbles, the big bath (and of course rubber duck) and and ice cold bottle of wine!
Next it was time for the bit that I was really excited for - the Beach Bistro. I'd heard rave reviews, not least from our taxi driver, and couldn't wait to try it out! The room was light and airy and despite being fairly quiet as it was a Tuesday evening, background music and attentive staff ensured the atmosphere. The menu was varied and I was more than happy with my choices, as was George from the appreciative sounds that came from tasting the main especially!!
My starter was salt cod croquette with roasted tomato relish and quails eggs. George went for the game pie.
Mains were catch of the day with clams and herby potatoes and roast lamb. They were both gorgeously presented and I would return for them again without a doubt!
By dessert I was pretty full but the chocolate fondant was divine! Local wines accompanying each course were delicious. We retired to our room with full tummies and ready to sink into the cosiness of the white fluffy linen!
The morning afar the night before did not disappoint! We headed to the dining room to be greeted by a table laden with juice, cereals, homemade banana bread, yoghurt and fruit compote. My kinda breakfast! George ordered a bacon sandwich and I went for smoked salmon and poached eggs, both ridiculously predictable! Both delicious though and they definitely set us up for the day!
After popping up the perfectly suited room sign, we did what it says on the tin and headed to the sand dunes. My shoes came straight off and we wandered along the gorgeous beach in the winter chill, sitting and chatting on the dunes where I had a lesson all about costal geography - thanks Georgey!
The perfect way to spend a couple of days. Lots of chats and chilling and a pretty good Christmas pressie if I do say so myself! <3
The Gallivant have lots of Christmas offers and an incredible seasonal restaurant menu - check them out here for more details.
