FIND OUT MORE The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne www.grandeastbourne.com 01323 412345 weddings@grandeastbourne.com its ample facilities is also well worth a visit if you’re staying, and with treatment rooms too, you can get in some pampering before the vows. But I must confess to only having a quick nosey as the 30-plus degree heat was beckoning me to cooler waters. I managed to grab a sun lounger and settle in – it wasn’t long before I got that summer holiday vibe. I’ve never been one for laying around a pool but for once I actually understood the appeal! If you tie the knot here in the summer, this experience is definitely not to be missed. Even if you don’t encounter the ridiculous temperatures I did, the pool is heated to a comfortable 28 to 30 degrees, so it’s as comfortable on cooler days as it is the scorchers. C’EST BELLE! Feeling human again it was time to head to The Mirabelle, The Grand’s fine-dining restaurant. Since it opened it’s been recognised with several awards and accolades from the UK’s top food writers. Not only is it considered one of the finest restaurants in Eastbourne, but The Independent placed it in the top 50 best restaurants in the UK. Mirroring the seascape beyond its windows the décor is awash with Wedgewood blue and greys, creating an elegant and calming environment, which detracts in no way from its divine menu of modern European flavours. It’s no wonder that this beautifully tranquil environment attracts many couples, there were at least two celebrating their anniversaries that I was aware of. You can, in fact, celebrate post-vows in The Mirabelle. Able to accommodate up to 50 guests, it’s available to book exclusively for your wedding breakfast and even has access to its own garden, which can be used for reception drinks during the warmer months. If you’re both foodies, I’d highly recommend this option. I’ve eaten here several times and on each occasion I declare it the best meal I’ve ever had, this time was no different. What’s more, the waiting staff offer the finest service the hospitality industry has to offer. MUSIC TO MY EARS The Grand Hotel has a long and auspicious association with music. Debussy completed his Symphony Le Mer in Suite 200 in 1905, and The Grand Hotel Orchestra would broadcast live on the BBC from the Great Hall every Sunday night from 1924 to 1939. As well as music being part of the fabric of the place with a pianist tickling the ivories as you dine in either restaurant and live music in the lounge on Saturday evenings, there’s still a regular programme of music events throughout the year. Do check out the website to find out more on that. Never knowingly missing out on a cocktail, we made a beeline for the lounge after dinner. Having selected Sweet Opinion from the impressive menu, we settled in to the elegant surroundings to listen to a live jazz band and watch couples glide across floor, practising their best ballroom moves. This feel of a bygone era and ultimate escapism isn’t something you find just anywhere. WHERE TO WED Princess Room 120 ceremony 77 wedding breakfast 120 reception Arundel Room 60 ceremony 48 wedding breakfast 50 reception Dukes Room 80 ceremony 48 wedding breakfast 80 reception The Compton Room 192 wedding breakfast 250 reception Arlington 55 wedding breakfast 70 reception Norfolk 36 wedding breakfast 40 reception Gallery Suite 16 wedding breakfast 16 reception Mirabelle Restaurant 50 wedding breakfast Pssst... Check out Nearlywed News to learn more about The Grand’s wedding showcase and suppliers. Scan to view video REVIEW 25
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