Inglenook — Hotel in Arun

Nestled beneath the prettiest backdrop of purples and pinks, is a humble and unassuming building. This building will forever be etched in my heart as the setting of the most joyous and tragic period of my life. This building as you know, is the beautiful and picturesque hotel & restaurant of Pagham, The Inglenook.

On the 4th of August 2023, I found out that my father was terminally ill. By the 11th of August, I had booked my wedding at the Inglenook for the 16th September 2023, so my Dad could give me away while he was able.

We visited The Inglenook, for the first time on 2nd September. We were pleasantly surprised by how pretty and unique the hotel was, and the interesting nook and cranny's of the gardens. Not massive in size, but expansive in its visual.

On the day of my wedding, Dad was in a coma. I spent all morning with him, holding his hand and telling him I loved him. When I arrived at The Inglenook, I was escorted to the honeymoon suite by Phil and his team with all my belongings and my gorgeous dress. Everyone was so full of positive spirits, it was infectious and warm, and while I was going through some heavy emotions, Phil made sure that this day would be a positive memory in a tragic and dark time in my life. Nothing was too much, everything was available, and Phil had taken care of everything so that I only had to take care of myself.

The room was so quaint. I loved the vintage and timely décor, and the huge whirlpool bath was an exciting addition! I was brought snacks and ice-cold bottles of water while I waited for my girls to join me. Finally, the excitement of the day was slowly seeping into me, though Dad was always at the centre of my thoughts. Behind the scenes, Phil had arranged all my ceremony music, set up the chairs and bows and though my guest numbers were small, he filled the function room with meticulous care, thought and love.

His staff were just as wonderful, an extension of this man's kindness and generosity, everyone was readily available for anything we needed, and to say they all went above and beyond is simply not enough credit. From the lovely Rachel, whom I spoke with a lot during the booking process, to all the bar and catering staff who served us the most delicious cuisines and kept the tequila shots flowing.

On the 16th September 2023, I married my best friend, an absolute salt-of-the-earth incredible man. I love you so much, Shaun.

On the 17th September 2023, I lost my Daddy. The first man I ever loved, and who ever loved me.

To Phil, I will never be able to express my deepest and warmest thanks for all that you did. Your hotel is beautiful, the food is exquisite, your staff are among the best, and you gave us a day that will be deeply loved and appreciated for all of time. But all of that pales in place of importance and of what mattered most to Shaun & I. You made the most tragic period of my life have a little sparkle of joy that would have made my Dad so proud. He would have loved your humour, and he would have had the deepest respect for the man that you are, as do I.

It is clear that weddings are a walk in the park for you and the team, you did such a fantastic job, as I know you do for all couples that walk through your door. But what people really need to know, is that you are the special ingredient. You are so present, and so wonderful, a truly delightful slice of Pagham.

With Love & Thanks,...

Not a nice experience. Firstly we arrived twenty minutes early and were asked to wait in the reception area that was freezing. We were then seated (late) in a room surrounded in curtains like something out of the 1980s and the place had a musty smell to it. Now I'm aware this place is old but it doesn't need to smell that way !

The starter I had was mackerel. Over cooked, dry, stringy and just not nice. The horse radish had no guts to it and there wasn't enough of it either. Overall the starter was disappointing.

We were also served bread rolls that are pretty much identical to those ones you buy part baked and finish off yourself. Not bad, but certainly not fine dining nor anywhere near it.

Then onto the main. I chose the chicken wrapped in prosciutto. Again, not nice. Over cooked rubbery and dry chicken. There was a small square of something that resembled potato crossed with stuffing on the plate that did actually taste quite nice, but the vegetables had absolutely no flavour and it seems the chef does not have a salt or pepper shaker in his possession because absolutely nothing was seasoned whatsoever.

Then onto the pudding, which actually carried a name. "Candy".

What I got was this. Two scoops of ice creamed which had a handful of sweet cola bottles thrown into it and a squirt of cream on the top with a couple of stale flying saucers.

Now look, let me explain something. Cola bottles are quite nice if you like your sweets, and I do. However, throwing them into ice cream tends to make them freeze at which point you are trying to digest what I can only describe as a cola flavoured bullet. It's not pleasant and I nearly choked on them twice before deciding to just dig them out and put them to one side.

I ordered a glass of Pepsi also, it arrived with my main course with a mumbled apology.

Overall my partner and I were incredibly disappointed. The food was meh, the service? well how does four different waiters grab you who all offer up different things as none of them know what you have had or want?

We nearly booked this place for our wedding. Thankfully we didn't, and although £60 down now have a good idea that elsewhere is probably the better bet. Fine dining this isn't, yet, it likes carrying the...

“We are nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside “ I have to say is rather an exaggeration. Situated on a fairly busy road in a built up area of Pagham I think would be a more accurate description. It’s an attractive place but many areas could do with some refurbishment, our bedroom in particular ( room1) There was nothing wrong with it but it just felt dated and rather shabby, there were no headboards or pictures on the walls. In the description I read that there was bottled water in the rooms but none in our room. Perhaps that is only for the more expensive ones. The divan bed had seen better days but the mattress was fairly comfortable. We had trouble flushing the loo and the shower cubicle was one where space was pretty limited, in fact the bathroom was very compact. We were only staying one night so it didn’t matter too much but I have to say I wouldn’t want to spend several nights in that room. I can’t comment on the food other than the breakfast which was ok, as we were out for a family party nearby the previous evening. It would have been nice to have had some fruit or yogurt or some pastries on offer for breakfast. We arrived back to the hotel after dark and in pouring rain and the car park was fairly full and in total darkness. I feel there should be some sort of lightning as my husband is disabled and the car park was full of large puddles making it very difficult for him. Fortunately I have a torch on my phone. I would stay again but ask for a nicer room. Three positive things |The staff were all very nice |The towels were large and fluffy and I was emailed a few weeks ago to let me know that there was a private function that evening and apologising for any inconvenience which I thought was very...