Near Chichester, West Sussex, neighbouring the South Downs

18th century former coaching inn noted for its environmental efforts
 

DESCRIPTION                                                                                                             

The Chilgrove White Horse is a former coaching inn, built in 1765 and set in a peaceful hamlet at the foot of The South Downs near Chichester in West Sussex.

It has nine en suite rooms all with polished floorboards, rugs, firm super-king beds, five-channel TVs, CD facilities, direct dial phone, central heating and other quality features such as big fluffy bath robes. The rooms all face onto the private flint-walled garden. The three upstairs have baths and the four downstairs have power showers. A deluxe continental breakfast hamper is served in the rooms (in bed if you wish!) or in the garden, weather permitting.

The restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes and is stocked with 600 wines. Its frequently changing menu may feature locally caught sea bass, partridge and grouse and many other seasonal and organic specialities. Guests can dine there or in the more rustic bar area both of which have open fires.
 

GREEN CREDENTIALS                                                                                                

To flag up their environmental policy and practices owners Charles and Carin Burton quote a Navahoe Indian saying, "We do not own the earth, we hold it in trust for our children."

They use sensor lights, low energy lights, and thermostats as much as possible, to reduce energy loss.

The toilets have half/full flush systems with waterless urinals in the gents, and a sewage system irrigates the garden where there is also a 500 litre water butt.

They purchase Fair Trade tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc for the bedrooms and local food as much as possible: the fish is from Brackesham Bay, and crabs (hand picked rather than the much-inferior commercial blowing which produces bacteria) are from Selsey. The lamb and pork are supplied by a 100% organic local company.

Waste paper is used for notes and printing drafts and stationery and note pads are made from recycled paper. They recycle all glass and cardboard in bar, kitchen and bedrooms.

There is a secure bike storage area, and they encourage local hiring of bicycles. They are restoring a pond in front of the pub (now populated by ducks) and have planted a wild meadow adjacent to it.

The White Horse has received a Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold award.