Haslemere – a market town that is picturesque, quintessentially British, just a short rail journey from London and surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Surrey Hills – is a destination to add to your list.
Until now, there has not been a luxury base in Haslemere from which to enjoy its boutique shops and natural beauty, but the newly opened Coppa Club, The Georgian, located right in the buzzing centre of Haslemere high street, changes all that.
Hotel and room
With its white, ‘grande dame’ style exterior, I was surprised by how modern and quirky The Georgian’s interior was, with lanterns lighting up the restaurant, modernist art hanging by a pastel tiled fireplace and little nooks and booths from which to get some work done over a coffee or cocktail. The Georgian feels luxurious without being pretentious.
With only 13 rooms in the property, I sense that a lot of care has gone into designing each one. My room was spacious with a huge walk-in rain shower, a soft king-size bed and a homely, peaceful vibe.
The Georgian joins nine other properties in the Coppa Club portfolio, including The Great House at Sonning in Berkshire, reviewed by Caroline Cooper. The Coppa Club is perhaps best known for those iconic igloos by Tower Bridge at Coppa by the Tower and these are a highlight of The Georgian too. Located in the private garden area, they are ideal for a private meal, particularly in winter or during our unpredictable British summers.
Fans of the Coppa Club brand will also recognise the colourful design features, the ‘clubhouse’ feel which makes you feel welcome from morning to evening and the delicious food and cocktails.
Food and drink
The Georgian’s drink’s offering is extensive and the interior design in the bar area nods to both old and new with Georgian-inspired flooring, dark wood panelling and blue striped bar stools.
The cocktail menu includes all the classics as well as the boozy Coppa Tea with Bulleit Bourbon, Fever Tree white grape and apricot soda and hints of peach and lemon and a refreshing spring cocktail menu including a Silent Pool gin with rhubarb and raspberry tonic and cherry syrup.
Coppa Club has recently partnered with Trip CBD to create delicious low alcohol cocktails with all the benefits of CBD. The ‘Peach Trip’ cocktail with peach and ginger CBD infused oil and apple juice is particularly mouth-watering.
Matching the day-to-night vibe, The Georgian offers an all-day menu which blends British and Mediterranean cuisine. I spent lunchtime sampling all the delightful small plates, from a sundried tomato arancini to seared king prawns with garlic, lemon and chilli.
The evening was for getting to the main event with hearty pastas, sourdough pizza or the renowned Coppa Burger. I enjoyed a spice roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate that managed to be simultaneous filling and light.
The breakfast menu offers a full English as well as lighter delights like crushed avocado and eggs with kiln smoked Severn and Wye salmon or buckwheat and rye pancakes with berries, granola and coconut yoghurt. Despite only having 13 rooms, the large restaurant area was buzzing from early in the morning with locals enjoying coffee over a morning paper or casual morning business meeting, creating a vibrant, buzzing atmosphere from the off.
To do
Coppa Club prides itself on collaborating with local creators to offer fun and unique experiences for guests and locals. One of the highlights of my stay was a ‘sip and sketch’ painting class with local artist, Jo Mitchell Long, who has hosted several classes at the property. While my artistic skills left something to be desired, these are a great way to bond and relax as part of a group getaway.
I was also treated to a Silent Pool gin tasting during my stay, a popular experience which guests can book through the hotel. This was a fun way to learn about the local area since the distillery is located in nearby Arbury where the Silent Pool legend was born.
Perfect too as a dog-friendly getaway, pets are welcome in the ground floor space and rooms, and there are lovely long countryside walks to enjoy in the Surrey countryside. The famous Devil’s Punch Bowl Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is nearby as well as the Hindhead walking trails and Highcombe hike. The town itself is full of independent cafes and boutique shops to browse after a day’s walk.
In a nutshell
The Georgian, Coppa Club offers thoughtful design, luxury bedrooms and a relaxed day-to-night vibe. It manages to feel like a private members’ club yet without any expensive fees or stuffy atmosphere. Plus, you have the natural splendour of the Surrey Hills right on your doorstep.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £90 for two people sharing a double room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Address: High St, Haslemere GU27 2JY
Phone: 01428 771027
Email: reservations@variouseateries.co.uk
Website: coppaclub.co.uk/the-georgian
