Petworth’s cultural renewal continues with opening of new luxury accommodation, East House
In the historical market town of Petworth, West Sussex, East House is now open for booking as an elegant and luxurious accommodation from which to explore the town and the abundant South Downs countryside. With a major new art gallery currently showing a blue chip exhibition of Joan Miró, world-class restaurants, close proximity to some of England’s best vineyards making extraordinary wines, and two headline summer festivals, Petworth is fast becoming a leading destination for visitors seeking cultural and gastronomic excellence in the English countryside.
East House it the latest offering from the Petworth Place’s group, which includes art gallery Newlands House, The Angel Inn, Ryde House, award winning local grocer The Hungry Guest, and antique store Augustus Brandt.
East House
Petworth’s newest and finest place to stay is a generous three-bedroom self-catering apartment formerly known as ‘The Institute’: a meeting place for local people and reading societies. The building has been sensitively restored to maintain historical features whilst adding sophisticated interior statements procured by renowned local antique store Augustus Brandt.
Designed to be a home away from home, all functional must-haves are available – including dishwasher, laundry machine and dryer – and bedrooms can be prepared as twin beds if needed. East House features an open plan kitchen and living space, perfect for hosting guests. The large modern kitchen is stocked with tea, coffee and culinary essentials from The Hungry Guest, Petworth’s award-winning local artisan food shop, a minute’s walk away. Full catering by The Hungry Guest is available if needed. East House is perfect for a romantic getaway, spacious group stay or as the location of a celebratory soirée.
Joan Miró, Sean Scully and Liliane Tomasco at Newlands House Gallery
Newlands House Gallery opened in Petworth in early 2020: an expansive new exhibition space for modern and contemporary art, photography and design, housed in the unexpected setting of a sprawling Georgian townhouse. Newlands House Gallery is currently presenting a rare survey exhibition of the 20th century master, Joan Miró (1 May – 4 July 2021) – the first solo show dedicated to the artist in the region. In late July, this will be followed by an exhibition of new works by artist couple, Sean Scully and Liliane Tomasko, created in the lockdown. The show will run from 24 July to 10 October. https://newlandshouse.gallery/exhibitions
Food & Wine
In addition to The Hungry Guest, Petworth boasts award-winning E. Street Bar & Grill and The Angel Inn as destinations for fine food. Situated in a historic coaching Inn, The Angel Inn offers daily specials honouring British heritage and elevated pub classics. E. Street Bar & Grill, set in a restored 17th century heritage building, serves bistro style dishes. Both restaurants source ingredients locally and include spacious outdoor seating options.
Sussex is known for viticulture and many of the very best British sparkling wines come from within an hour of Petworth. There are various wine sellers and restaurants in Petworth that serve these wines, and day visits to vineyards for tours and tastings can be arranged. Neighbouring award-winning vineyards include Nyetimber, Roebuck Estates and Upperton Vineyards.
Summer Festivals
Marking the start of summer, English Wine Week returns to Sussex on 19-27 June as flowering is set to take place across the region’s vineyards. Petworth is conveniently situated in the heart of Sussex on the route linking various vineyards highlighted in this year’s programme. https://www.winegb.co.uk/
Further, the annual Petworth Festival is back this year, running from 14 July – 31 July 2021. A summer highlight, having featured past performers including revered cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and pianist Mitsuko Uchida. This year features saxophonist Jess Gillam, pianist Imogen Cooper, Isata Kanneh-Mason, among others. https://www.petworthfestival.org.uk/
