Welcome to South Lodge Hotel and to the perfect Christmas and New Year celebrations that are simply a world away from the ordinary. Delicate echoes of Victorian grandeur, elegant décor and a maze of parlours and lounges combine to make South Lodge a wonderful retreat - every detail is taken care of effortlessly, leaving you free to relax, whether it’s just the two of you, a group of friends or a festive family gathering.
Champagne will flow, candles will glow and our award-winning chefs are set to showcase their sensational, seasonal menus all under the guidance of Executive Chef, Lewis Hamblet. And with our cellars brimming with an impressive wine list, we’re set for one of the most wonderful festive celebrations you can imagine.
And if fresh air and exercise is what you need, guests are also invited to enjoy a round of golf at preferential green fees at our sister property, Mannings Heath Golf Club, just a five minute drive away (complimentary transfers are on hand).
Gather friends and family, put your feet up and let us spoil you rotten.
Set amidst 93 acres of woodland, parkland and manicured flower beds, South Lodge has enjoyed an comprehensive and stylish refurbishment. The sympathetic extension has been designed to merge seamlessly with the spectacular history, feel and look of the grand mansion house as well as blend effortlessly with the stunning Sussex Downs landscape.
It moves South Lodge into an illustrious new era with the introduction of exciting new dining experiences and 45 stunning new bedrooms taking the total number to 89.
Christmas Eve - Wednesday 24th December
You are invited to arrive from 2pm where a warming glass of spiced mulled wine and home baked mince pies will be waiting to welcome you.
As you make your way to your bedroom, take a moment to look inside your special hidey-hole for small surprises that will make your stay that little bit more special – itineraries, games and puzzles, goodies for the kids and even your own daily weather report.
Your luxurious bedroom is specially prepared for you – including one of our homemade goodies from The Pass, our new flagship restaurant… and it’s worth mentioning that all our fabulous suites have their very own twinkling Christmas trees.
Relax in one of our lounges for a seasonal champagne afternoon tea… traditional family board games and a games console can be found in our specially created family zone.
The evening is a truly great occasion. Christmas carols and readings performed by a local choir provide an unashamedly nostalgic welcome and there’s an opportunity to meet fellow guests over champagne and canapés before sitting down to a five-course gourmet dinner in the Camellia Restaurant complemented by musical entertainment and a skilful magician.
Christmas Day - Thursday 25th December
Until the main event, there’s plenty of time to relax with your family and friends… or perhaps you’d like a round of golf at our sister property Mannings Heath Golf Club or alternatively, join our special Treasure Hunt designed for all ages.
The most impressive, traditional Christmas lunch will be served - exquisite dishes and impeccable service are the highlight of the day.
Christmas afternoon is all about rest and relaxation – and as you relax the kids can join the ‘kid’s kitchen’ (must be pre-booked), where they can make as much mess as they want learning and creating with a member of our kitchen team.
A comfortable and fun evening is in store for everyone including an informal deli style buffet with chef creating snacks to your very own taste.
Christmas Eve - Wednesday 24th December
You are invited to arrive from 2pm where a warming glass of spiced mulled wine and home baked mince pies will be waiting to welcome you.
As you make your way to your bedroom, take a moment to look inside your special hidey-hole for small surprises that will make your stay that little bit more special – itineraries, games and puzzles, goodies for the kids and even your own daily weather report.
Your luxurious bedroom is specially prepared for you – including one of our homemade goodies from The Pass, our new flagship restaurant… and it’s worth mentioning that all our fabulous suites have their very own twinkling Christmas trees.
Relax in one of our lounges for a seasonal champagne afternoon tea… traditional family board games and a games console can be found in our specially created family zone.
The evening is a truly great occasion. Christmas carols and readings performed by a local choir provide an unashamedly nostalgic welcome and there’s an opportunity to meet fellow guests over champagne and canapés before sitting down to a five-course gourmet dinner in the Camellia Restaurant complemented by musical entertainment and a skilful magician.
Christmas Day - Thursday 25th December
Until the main event, there’s plenty of time to relax with your family and friends… or perhaps you’d like a round of golf at our sister property Mannings Heath Golf Club or alternatively, join our special Treasure Hunt designed for all ages.
The most impressive, traditional Christmas lunch will be served - exquisite dishes and impeccable service are the highlight of the day.
Christmas afternoon is all about rest and relaxation – and as you relax the kids can join the ‘kid’s kitchen’ (must be pre-booked), where they can make as much mess as they want learning and creating with a member of our kitchen team.
A comfortable and fun evening is in store for everyone including an informal deli style buffet with chef creating snacks to your very own taste.
Christmas Day lunch
Thursday 25th December
Join us early for an exciting treasure hunt designed for all the family before a visit from Santa Claus. Sink deep into a sofa and listen to music with an aperitif before the highlight of the day, a traditional Christmas lunch. Later, take advantage of the lounge once more and chat over coffee before having a restful afternoon, strolling in the grounds, playing games or joining that time-honoured seasonal custom of the Queen’s speech… and as you relax the kids can join the ‘kid’s kitchen’ (must be pre-booked), where they can make as much mess as they want learning and creating with a member of our friendly kitchen team.
Boxing Day Lunch
Friday 26th December
Extend the festive spirit and let us do the entertaining whilst you take it easy over a superb three-course lunch. Then, as you relax the kids can join in the fun in the ‘kid’s kitchen’ (must be pre-booked).
Eat, drink and be merry… join the party!
6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th DECEMBER
For groups of friends, colleagues or clients whether it’s just the two of you or a much larger group of 60 or more - join in the fun and enjoy a mouth-watering three-course Christmas supper menu with plenty of crackers, party poppers and secret surprises. Then it’s time to hit the dance floor and show off your moves or sneak off with a quiet brandy to one of our stylish lounges.
£47.00 per person: inclusive of three-course dinner with coffee, crackers, party poppers and disco entertainment. Wine must be pre ordered to ensure selection. Tables of 10 are set - groups not divisible by 10 may be grouped with other guests to make a table.
Party Night Menu
TIAN OF PRAWN AND CRAYFISH
Herb salad, lemon dressing
~
TURKEY AND SAUSAGE ROULADE
Fondant potato, seasonal vegetables
~
CHOCOLATE YULE LOG
Bailey’s anglaise
Vegetarian Menu
Starters
DUO OF MELON
Wild berries, mint syrup
WILD MUSHROOM TART
Artichoke puree
Mains
VEGETABLE RISOTTO CAKES
Basil cream sauce
BRIE AND BROCCOLI PITHIVER
Broccoli puree
Ho, Ho, Ho… Private Christmas Celebrations
From a private lunch for 8 to 130 dancing revellers, we have fabulous space, lots of festive spirit and stylish decorations, superb dining and the finest selection of wines to suit your private celebration. Each event is very individual and you will receive the undivided attention of a support organiser who has plenty of ideas to ensure it’s an event to remember.
Private Menu One
TIAN OF PRAWN AND CRAYFISH
Herb salad, lemon dressing
~
TURKEY AND SAUSAGE ROULADE
Fondant potato, seasonal vegetables
~
CHOCOLATE YULE LOG
Bailey’s anglaise
£47.00 per person
Private Menu Two
HOME MADE SALMON GRAVAD LAX
Mango salad, minted yogurt dressing
FREE RANGE CHICKEN BREAST
Brussels spout puree, red cabbage, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables
ORANGE BRÛLÉE
Cointreau syrup, biscotti biscuits
£50.00 per person
Private Menu Three
DUO OF MELON AND PARMA HAM
FILLET OF RED MULLET
Buttered leeks, tomato dressing
SLOW COOKED FILLET OF BEEF
Horseradish gratin potato, asparagus, curly kale
CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Brandy sauce
£55.00 per person
Please ask your coordinator for extra ideas, including theming, decorations, flowers and additional courses.
Price includes menu and crackers. Room hire and entertainments are charged additionally. Timings of your choice, to finish by midnight.
New Yea’s Eve
Wednesday 31st December
Arrive at your leisure from 3.00pm, discover your luxurious bedroom complete with homemade welcome goodies, relax and look forward to all the excitement that lies ahead. Then later, with staff on hand to press your dress (or tux!), choose to join our fabulous Premier theme party or the sensational dinner with musical accompaniment in the Camellia Restaurant.
The Premier Party
The final evening of 2008 is heralded by a drinks reception, an opportunity to meet fellow party guests over champagne and canapés and the perfect prelude to a spectacular five-course gourmet dinner. As a single piper proclaims the arrival of 2009 in time honoured fashion, toast your good fortune with a glass of bubbly and keep on dancing through ‘til one.
The Camellia Experience
The distinctive sound of a single piper will ring through the hotel as champagne and canapés are served in the lounges. Indulge in a seven-course menu exploring exquisite flavours and tastes. Then raise a glass of champagne at midnight before perfecting your dance moves to the sounds of a jazz trio and our resident pianist.
New Year’s Day
Thursday 1st January
Enjoy a slow, lazy morning then blow away the cobwebs with a stroll in the gardens or a round of golf. Later, gather together for our traditional toe-tapping New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch buffet served in the South Downs Suite.
New Year’s Eve - Non Residential
Wednesday 31st December
If you don’t wish to stay over, we’d love to invite you to join us for the evening... don your glad rags at home then arrive in style for your chosen party… will it be the Premier Party or the more intimate seven-course dinner in the Camellia?