We Review Drakes Hotel, Brighton

In so far as boutique hotels go in Brighton, Drakes Hotel is definitely up top with one of the best reputations in the area.  I was delighted to be invited to complete a review with them on behalf of our readers, with a brief to seek out whether this hotel would also be a suitable venue for business meetings or events, rather than the indulgent weekends away apparently enjoyed there by many.

The hotel itself is in a fantastic location, right on the seafront and in the heart of Kemptown, perfect for appointments in town but also to relax on the way back with a beach walk.  Set in two Georgian town houses, the hotel is impressive in its form, and its décor is opulent and elegant, encouraging a real homely feel with a touch of extravagance.

I was taken aback immediately with the friendliness of the staff upon entry, who made me feel comfortable and immediately at ease.  The service of all of the staff, I later learned, is impeccable, so I should not have been surprised to experience the modest knack of the bar staff in starting an easy going chat, yet knowing when to silently retreat to let me get on with some work.  This is a true skill which, in my travels, not all service staff quite grasp.  I enjoyed a drink in the quiet bar and made a mental note to return when I needed an hour to write in a warm, hassle free environment.

I was shown to my room which, sadly, was not a sea view room, but I cannot say I was too disappointed as it was simply divine.  From the colours to the bed linen, the bathroom to the toiletries, there was clear thought allocated to their clients’ every whim.  I was welcomed with some chocolates and then a name-dropping list of all who had stayed there.  From Kylie to Cate Blanchett, and various other big names, their tastes are faultless and it certainly helps with the overall atmosphere of being treated to lavishness.  The rooms are available to look at online, but feature all the usual modern expectations such as Wi-Fi and a clear, fuss free desk to sit down and work.  The sumptuous bed linen and velvet prints were tempting to dive into straightaway but I decided to stick to the work in hand and check out the deep bath before dinner.  White Company toiletries are packaged in a personal take-home bag, a lovely touch, and the bathroom itself was clean and bright.

The true appeal of this hotel may well lie in the perfection of the downstairs restaurant.  It is absolutely no wonder that Chef Andy has managed to secure the place of the Drakes Restaurant in the Good Food Guide 2019 for the 10^th consecutive year.  The food here makes it a destination venue and distinguishes it from other local boutique hotels.  Again dining alone, I was made to feel immediately welcome and relaxed by my charming waiter Mark.  If you could teach an ability to make people feel at home, they should conduct training at Drakes because without single exception all of the staff have that talent.  I watched as Mark greeted guest after guest individually, respectfully but with an adeptness to conduct the “business,” taking orders and making recommendations etc, without it feeling like the transaction it truly is.  Quite remarkable.

The food was immense.  Simple touches such as making sure the butter was the precise temperature, leaving me to eat without interruption and ensuring I always had a full glass were very welcome.  There is always a hesitation in making professional recommendations of restaurants as it perhaps a feeling, but I sense we can be slightly judged if our colleagues do not have the same experience.  However, I would not hesitate in bringing business colleagues here.  In fact it would be a pleasure to take them as I am confident that I would be congratulated on such a marvellous recommendation!

I had the scallops with pea and mint puree and pancetta crisps to start and they were fresh and cooked to perfection.  The flavours did everything you would want in a starter, leaving me hungry for more.  I chose the beef fillet for the main course and again this was perfectly cooked to order.  The wasabi mash was unusually delicious, and the seasonal vegetables and chateaubriand sauce made for an overwhelmingly delicious meal.  Mark’s recommendation for a Chilean rich red made the entire experience mouth-wateringly tasty and I will most certainly be returning.  Following a cosy, comfortable night’s sleep in the huge bed, the breakfast was more of the same.  It felt like a micro-holiday rather than a working break as the breakfast was again delicious in the bright, airy restaurant, with fresh flowers and excellent coffee.

Finally I had the pleasure of meeting the hospitable Carla who attentively carved time out of her day to show me to the meeting room so that I could report back to our readers.  The meeting room is suited for up to 12 delegates in boardroom style or 18 delegates in theatre style and has the obvious Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and screens you would expect to see in a modern hotel.  The rates are online and they can accommodate breakfast meeting including coffee, tea and pastries, as well as all day facilities available for those longer business days.  Facing the sea, it is a most perfect venue for a small meeting in a luxury, but not mouth wateringly expensive business room which exhibits class and professionalism.  I have no doubt the staff would look after every need if my stay was any indication of service.