Christian stayed home today with a bad back. My boss let me go an hour early, so Christian picked me up at Petts Wood station a little after 5pm. After that, we let the GPS lead the way to Eastbourne, where we are to celebrate Christian's 39th birthday. It took about two hours, due to massive traffic at Tonbridge Wells. We arrived at Ocklynge Manor at 7pm exactly. Our hostess Wendy Dugdill opened the door and greeted us with a smile. She helped us unload our luggage from the car and showed us around. The house, a large, adorable structure painted pink outside, is actually built on the site of a Commandery of the knights of St. John. Interestingly, the resident monks would have seen the Norman Invasion of 1066 from these very walls. The property changed hands several times, including amongst its residents the Governor of the Falkland Islands and Mabel Lucie Attwell, known for her illustrations of the early Peter Pan books. Wendy explained that they have resided here for 20 years and decided to open as a bed and breakfast once the children had left home. Considering the incredible charm and calmness of this house, with all its nooks and crannies, it would have been a crime not to share it with the world.
She took us to our cute little room, showing us the amenities and how to use the plumbing, which is different in older houses like this, and recommended a few places nearby for dinner. Not wanting to get back in the car, we elected to try The Lamb, a pub within about 10 minutes walk.
We strolled along the streets, passing one adorable cottage after another, and up through a green towards the Lamb Inn on the high street, which is positioned beside the Ancient Parish Church of St . Mary's, both buildings date to the mid 12th century. Looking at the menu, plus hearing the amount of children inside, (and noting a queue) we decided to walk up the road a bit more. We are so glad we did. Whilst passing the church we smelled a most wondrous smell, and happened upon the Spice Garden, an Indian restaurant. We had no reservations, but they found us a table anyway. We spent the entire time there enthusing about everything. We could not fault one thing about the place. Our papadoms and sauces came out like clockwork, followed shortly after by our dual chicken tikka barianis and na'an bread. Everything was absolutely outstanding and we couldn't have had a better meal. Mental note, if we come back to Eastbourne, we're eating there. Incredible.
Very satisfied and very very full, we strolled back to our room to prepare for the big day tomorrow.
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