BACKGROUND
Formerly known as the Hedgehog Inn, this independent property near Gatwick airport was fully rebranded and reopened last May.
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
A boutique property with a country-inn feel. The large pub/restaurant is joined to a separate building housing the guestrooms. There is a small reception, with a separate entrance from the pub, and service here is very welcoming.
WHERE IS IT?
In Copthorne, 11km (20 minutes by taxi) from Gatwick airport – equidistant between the North and South terminals – on a country road, surrounded by woodland.
ROOM FACILITIES
The nine rooms in the property are spread over two floors, and each one is named after a different breed of pig (including Tamworth, Oldspot and Saddleback). I stayed in Pietrain, an olive-walled Double room on the first floor, located at the rear of the building and facing out to the beer garden.
The décor had the feel of a contemporary farmhouse – a warm, rustic feel, paired with modern photography and individualistic touches. A huge square photo of a pig nestled among straw in an elegant white wooden frame hung above the desk, while the wall behind the bed was covered in wallpaper inscribed with messages about love and heartache, such as “Found true love after five months” and “I’m not marrying for love twice.”
The desk itself was made from reclaimed wood –a cast iron handle had been was fixed to its surface, and the wood was coated in alternating peeling layers of turquoise and red paint, revealing its past life as a door.
The queen-size bed was comfortable, with a thick down duvet. There were red bendable reading lamps attached to the wall either side, plus wooden bedside surfaces and UK plug sockets.
Wifi was free, and it worked well, without requiring you to log in via a code. Tea and coffee making facilities were supplied – with a freshly ground coffee supplied in a paper bag and a cafetière, teabags and a kettle – as were two free bottles of S.Pellegrino water (one still and one sparkling), an LG flatscreen TV, a hairdryer, an electric fan, bathrobes and The White Company toiletries. There was also a small open wardrobe with wicker baskets for storage. The shower over the bath in the glossy white-tiled bathroom was good.
Though the room felt very private, and the property itself was peaceful, unfortunately the soundproofing of the window didn’t work too well against the horrific storm that took place throughout the night, which was rather disruptive. However, this storm was particularly severe, and I’m sure this wouldn’t normally be a problem.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The quirky décor continues downstairs in the large open plan pub/restaurant.
Once again, there’s a contemporary country pub vibe – with a lovely sea green colour scheme – paired with ornaments such as birdcages with budgie taxidermy inside, a miscellaneous collection of furniture, and myriad framed illustrations of pigs.
Service was prompt, attentive and pleasant, and I had a lovely candlelit meal here on a Friday evening, when the place was brimming with locals out for dinner. The restaurant prepares contemporary pub classics, as well as gourmet wood-fired pizzas and dry-aged, charcoal oven steaks. Two courses are typically £20-£30.
I started with crab and prawn rillettes with granary bread crisps and a chilli and coriander dressing, which was lovely and fresh, with zingy flavours. My main course was seared seabass fillets with garlic potato gratin, green beans and red pepper salsa – the soft sea bass was sensitively prepared, and the garlicky gratin delicious. Finally, I found room for the raspberry crème brulée with shortbread, though found it a little sickly.
Ales on offer include the property’s own Curious Brew and Harvey’s Sussex Best. Other options from local breweries are served on rotation, including ales from The Cronx and Firebird Brewing.
The next morning, breakfast was served in the same space – served from 7am-10pm, a full English breakfast comprising black pudding, bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms costs. The continental buffet (included in the room rate) offers croissants, yoghurts, fruit and cereal, and freshly brewed coffee is served to your table. I took a seat by the window facing towards Gatwick’s runway and I could see planes taking off as I dined.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
None
LEISURE FACILITIES
None, though the huge beer garden would probably be an inviting spot in the summer.
VERDICT
Well worth checking out you need to be close to either of Gatwick’s terminals, and would like a practical boutique hotel for a reasonable price.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? Nine, a combination of Double and King rooms.
- HIGHLIGHTS The friendly service, the interesting in-room design and the restaurant food.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in March started from £70 for a Double room.
- CONTACT Effingham Road; tel: 01342 716 202; curiouspigintheparlour.com
Rose Dykins
