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5/5 Paws
Escape the south west and head to East Sussex; stay at this curiously different dog-friendly pub with rooms, located in the pretty rural village of Ticehurst. The Bell in Ticehurst is an unexpected treat with a brilliantly eccentric design throughout after being completely transformed by new owners – the result is utterly charming, all of the rooms are uniquely different, using an earthy, warm palette, boasting deep copper bathtubs, comfiest beds and delicious homemade cookies.
The Bell in Ticehurst is the perfect hideaway for you and your dog to take a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with all areas dog-friendly. Dating back to the 1500s, the pub has retained many of its original features and oozes character with an eclectic design – think uneven floors, and rickety staircases, exuberant art – including a collection of Tracey Emin, Henry Moore, Banksy, Graham Sutherland and Picasso, as well as a limited edition signed print by Francis Bacon – and quirky design features in every nook; it’s a delightfully surprising and welcoming hub, boasting seven rooms, along with four lodges all of which welcome dogs with a cosy bed and treats.
The eleven guest rooms make a great base to explore the area, and are home to some quirky design features, including silver birch branches (a nod to the derivation of Ticehurst’s name, which is “the wooded hill where goats graze”), upside-down tiles and randomly placed light features. Eschewing room numbers, each of The Bell’s guest rooms has its own distinctive name, from ‘The Benefit of the Doubt’ and ‘Moonshine’ to ‘Smiles of Memories.’ The unique design of the property was a collaboration between the owner Richard Upton and Creative Director Philippa King, from Curious House. There are artistic touches at every turn, from the bedrooms to the public areas, from bowler hat lights and a floor-to-ceiling book pile in the main pub area, to mismatched vintage-style wallpaper and Wagner Tubas for urinals in the gents.
Each room offers a feast of visual surprises, the neon sign in the aptly named Stable with a Table – a dining room with a unique sunken oak table for groups of up to 18 feasting-friends or family, fondly observes ‘I will always love you my friend”, summing up the sense of constancy yet originality waiting to greet you.
Escape urban life, and breathe in some country air with your dog kicking at your heels.
There are a handful of walks through the fields directly behind the pub, or a short car journey will take you to Bedgebury Pinetum, there’s also a great beach at Winchelsea or the expansive Camber Sands where your dog will enjoy the freedom to run off leash and play in the sand dunes.
Expect a creative menu, featuring British cuisine with a French influence by head Chef, Mark Charker, who cut his culinary teeth at Ockenden Manor Hotel, working under their Michelin Star chef.
There are two dining spaces at The Bell in Ticehurst that are both dog friendly – the pub area offers pub classics such as fish and chips, pies and burgers, along with a fabulous Sunday roast – the polenta chips and marmite gravy make for a delicious veggie option – whereas The Stables is a more indulgent experience with a five-course surprise tasting menu to take you through the evening.
Wake to a tasty buffet spread including fresh fruit, granola, yogurt and pastries, followed up by a full English or vegetarian options. A breakfast sausage may be offered to well-behaved hounds.
There’s a charge of £10 per dog, per night.
I loved my stay at The Bell in Ticehurst – it’s a proper pub that allows us four-legs in all of the rooms as well as the bar and restaurant. I had a huge comfy bed, cute walks around the quaint village, and the best bit – an absolute show-stopping breakfast sausage! Fellow canines, get your paws to Ticehurst, The Bell will welcome you with open arms.
5/5 Paws
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