News

DATE: WEDNESDAY 6TH JANUARY 2010 A right Royal rescue Last night's snowfall may have brought misery to many but for some lucky drivers it brought a little taste of luxury. The Langrish House Hotel near Petersfield, frequented over the decades by royalty, New Zealand Army during WWII and also Oliver Cromwell had shut for 2 weeks in January for refurbishment.

Seeing on the TV that drivers were stranded and abandoning their vehicles along the A3, the owners and the hotel manager (only ones in the hotel at the time) rushed to help, prepare rooms and food so they could open their doors to take in some unexpected visitors.

"We were full within 5 minutes" said Owner, Robina Talbot-Ponsonby. "It was hot coffee, baths and a roaring fire for everyone to try and warm them up."

Whilst some guests were admiring their emergency accommodation from comfy beds and warm baths for others it was a case of making the best of what was still available.

"That famous British Blitz spirit seemed to kick in as we handed out blankets and duvets for all the extra people still turning up on our doorstep" laughs Robina. "They slept in the reception rooms, no-one complained and everyone ended up having a great time."

It was all hands to the deck with owner Nigel Talbot-Ponsonby trying to keep roads clear for the gritter, battling through the snowstorms to tow nearly a dozen abandoned cars off the roads.

Langrish House is staying on full alert during this cold spell which is forecast to last into next week.

“Thank you so much for your efforts to help out all of us who were left stranded in the snow last night.  Your hospitality and kindness were remarkable and beyond the call of duty; and I can't think of a more comfortable or delightful place to be stranded.

There can be no more welcoming site after a 2 mile hike, in the dark and through a blizzard, than an open fire, hot coffee and a bacon sandwich”