REVIEW: East Lavant stay is a right royal treat
Arguably the cause of their celebration was even better.
Richard Miller, the landlord of The Royal Oak in East Lavant where they had just dined, had presented them with a sealed envelope as a parting gift.
Like Willy Wonka, they were told it could contain a golden ticket meaning their next meal between January and March would be entirely on the house.
Or a silver ticket giving them a 50 per cent discount.
The minimum saving would be a quarter off the bill.
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Hide AdJust which it was would remain a secret until the eleventh hour - because the envelope had to remain sealed!
The Royal Oak is adept at getting visitors and guests into the competitive mood.
On the same evening when we dined, there was a sloe gin contest taking place in the corner of the main bar. Locals waited with bated - if not slightly alcoholic! - breath as Richard presided over the great event before delivering his final judgment.
It might not have quite possessed the excitement of Strictly or The Apprentice - although at least the competition did declare a decisive result - but it underscored just how much The Royal Oak is a true village hub as well as being a great venue for visitors.
The reasons for a visit are many and varied.
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Hide AdSome stop off while enjoying the South Downs and a walk through the national park. Others, like us, know it has got a great wine list and menu and enjoy the benefit of booking one of its rooms so there is no concern about driving home.
Of course, it boasts more than merely ‘rooms’. Accommodation includes delightful little cottages. We stayed in Flint Cottage - a beautifully restored old farm worker’s abode - which came complete with sitting room and upstairs bedroom.
The en-suite bathroom is as finely appointed as any in a great hotel and details like pristine white bathrobes, underfloor heating, and top quality toiletries from Bramley would make it unrecognizable to inhabitants of a previous era.
A residents’ garden just behind reveals the most stunning and sweeping views across fields toward Goodwood.
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Hide AdAny pub/restaurant worth its salt these days ensures that most of the produce on the plate - and the sparkling in the glass - is locally sourced.