A spring escape to West Sussex

A spring escape to West Sussex | The Gentleman's Journal

When the opportunity arises to escape city life, even if just for the weekend, of course we’re going to grasp it. And so we did, with a leisurely drive out of London – over rolling hills, through chocolate box villages and down winding country lanes, until we reached a quiet corner of West Sussex.

Videographer and model Toby Watkins captured the journey for the second instalment of our new driving series in which we venture out of the capital for a taste of country life. It goes without saying that he travelled in style, behind the wheel of a Polestar 4, no less. With the spaciousness of an SUV, the aerodynamics of a coupé, and technology primed for the electric age (innovative yet easy-to-use), the latest offering from the Swedish marque is a no-brainer for whizzing around both city and country.

Watkins departed London on Saturday morning and pulled into the rustic-chic Pig in the South Downs just after lunch, in time for some light bites and a cup of tea by the fire.

After checking in and exploring the gorgeous Grade-II-listed 18th century Georgian house and exploring its grounds, which include the Victorian-style greenhouse, the Kitchen Gardens and two calm and quiet Potting Shed Treatment rooms, it was time for a spin in the Polestar. Surrounded by the green hills, chalky cliffs and rural villages of the South Downs National Park, and with the fairytale town of Arundel a stone’s throw away, Watkins was in motoring heaven.

Back at the hotel, it was time to make the most of the giant tub, with a relaxing bath before dinner in the seasonal restaurant, which overlooks the South Downs. “I started with some delicious sausage roll slices followed by the venison meatballs and polenta for the main course,” recalls Watkins. “All the restaurant ingredients came from within a 25 mile radius of the Pig. There was also a delicious local non alcoholic beer to accompany the food”. A nightcap in the bar by the fire served as the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The following morning, after an excellent night’s sleep in one of the Pig’s signature beaded half-poster beds, Watkins was ready to go again. “We went on a tour of the gardens where a lot of the food on the menu was grown – everything from kale and tomatoes to eggs from the Sussex chickens,” says Watkins. “Afterwards, we grabbed a pair of wellies and went for a lovely long walk around the Sussex countryside.” There was time for one final cup of tea and a quick flick through the Sunday paper, before Watkins was whizzing back to London in the Polestar, ready to face the city… until next time.