HOTEL OF THE WEEK
THE GEORGIAN Coppa Club, Haslemere, Surrey
WHERE AND WHY
Haslemere sits at the junction of Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire, and The Georgian has just been renovated to become the latest hotel in the Coppa Club group, which provides a members’ club vibe without the joining fees.
The long elegant building is filled with nooks to suit all kinds of visits, whether it’s a meal, private party in The Hide, drink in the lounge, or working in The Snug.
Outside under the shade of an evergreen oak there are deckchairs and three cosy igloos.
Our room was spotless and restfully decorated in sage green, with one of the biggest beds I’ve ever seen, but still leaving the room feeling uncrowded. In fact, I’d suggest the addition of a couple of easy chairs.
One welcome touch was the small carton of proper milk in the mini fridge to go with your tea or coffee, as opposed to those
horrible tiny plastic UHT affairs. ON THE MENU
The restaurant was buzzing during my stay, proof that it’s quickly become a hit with the local foodies. Among the mains there’s sea-reared trout with freekeh and a lemon and watercress salad for £18.50, while the Coppa Burger comes in at £15.50.
Healthy options included crunchy sprouting broccoli and grains, toasted hazelnuts, and pomegranate with a tahini dressing for £7.50.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Pack a picnic and head up to Blackdown, the highest point in the South Downs National Park. The Serpent Trail takes you up through woods of beech and birch. Maps available from the visitor information centre.
WAKE-UP CALL
Rooms from £90 a night B&B, coppaclub.co.uk