REVIEW Join us for a night beneath the stars at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole’s Chartwell Suite Set in the heart of iconic Brighton, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole offers a memorable fusion of classic Victorian grandeur and the contemporary vibrancy of its seaside home. With the ability to cater for up to 800 guests with a traditional wedding breakfast, and as many as 1,000 for the evening do, this is the home of grand-scale weddings treated with the utmost care and attention. When our editor, Kelly, was offered the opportunity to spend an exclusive night under the stars in the hotel’s rooftop Chartwell Suite, she leapt at the chance to see what the property has to offer. A HEARTY HELLO I was given a warm welcome, literally, with a warm cookie, when I checked in on a beautifully sunny day in Brighton. Arriving in my gorgeous room and munching on my cookie, I wasted no time in flinging open the doors to my balcony and taking in the view of the vibrant seafront. I was delighted to find more goodies awaiting in the shape of a Brighton Gin cocktail and choccies, so again I tucked in. Don’t judge me – I’d skipped lunch! The hotel has seen a full refurbishment in recent years, and the work is second to none with clean lines and a modern feel, while losing none of the Victorian building’s heritage and charm. My room felt luxurious with everything I could need including comfy armchairs, where I curled up with my book for a while before the evening unfolded, and a stylish contemporary bathroom, featuring all the mod cons. LET ME TAKE YOU ON A TOUR We gathered in the Metropole Bar before heading off on a whistlestop tour of the Brighton Metropole’s top event spots. Bubbly in hand, the first stop was The Regency Suite on the ground floor. This is a stunning and vast space which can be conveniently divided to stage various parts of your day ensuring a great flow. I instantly fell in love with The Clarence Suite though with Victorian charm on full display. Originally built as a chapel in 1819, this space celebrates the beauty and charm of history with its high, vaulted ceiling and three grand, glittering chandeliers. The suite adjoins the Lancaster Suite, making it an ideal spot for your ceremony and welcome drinks. If I was staggered by the size of the Regency Suite, I was bowled over by the Oxford Suite! At 13,104 sq ft, with room for upwards of 1,000 guests, this is the space for you if editing your guest list holds no appeal. It boasts its own first-floor gallery space and colour-changing lighting. PANORAMIC VIEWS The pièce de résistance though was the Chartwell Suite – the reason we were gathered. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Brighton Metropole, this space will wrap you in a cosy hug. It’s a dream for intimate weddings with space for 50 diners and 70 evening guests. Meanwhile, its surrounding windows ensure a sky-high 360-degree view of the beautiful Brighton coastline including the West Pier and i360. With the sun setting over the sea, making the water sparkle, we enjoyed entertainment from local drag artist Snow White Trash (snowwhitetrash.co.uk) – when in Brighton... Hailed as the UK’s saxy drag queen, her powerhouse vocals and talent on the sax left me gobsmacked. So... much... fun! CANDLELIGHT CUISINE It was then time for the dinner I’d been looking forward to. And let me tell you, the quality was outstanding. If this meal is an indication of the wedding breakfast fare you can expect, then you and your loved ones are in for a real treat! The light and vibrant starter of smoked duck, beetroot, toasted hazelnuts, orange segments, radish and blackberry sauce packed a flavour punch. This was followed by a delicious, rich corn fed chicken supreme, rosemary rösti, creamed cabbage and pancetta with a tarragon jus – certainly head and shoulders above any chicken supreme I’d ever encountered. This was next level. We finished our meal with a delightful citrus cheesecake with Biscoff crumb, fresh berries and berry coulis. Well and truly satiated, and warmed with wine pairings, it was off to bed with a smile on my face. For a wedding or honeymoon by the sea, be sure to add DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole to your to-visit list. Discover more at dthiltonbrightonmet.com and be sure to hit play below to join me as I explore the hotel. GRAND OCCASIONS BY THE SEA Scan to view video 89
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