TV personality’s Alfriston hotel relaunch delayed due to covid-19

Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi had originally intended to reopen The Star this summer, but told the BBC due to the pandemic, it would be more likely to open its doors in winter now.

Polizzi and her mother Olga acquired the famous medieval building last year, and have added it to their portfolio of prestigious hotels.

They plan to do it up to the nines and restore the Star to its former glory at the heart of the community.

The 37 bedroom hotel was on the market with a £2.6 million price tag when Polizzi announced she had snapped it up in October last year.

The pair invited locals for a sneak preview of their plans in October 2019.

Alex Polizzi said at the time, “I am very excited to be working with my wonderful mother again, as it is 15 years since we opened Endsleigh together and we hope that our complementary skills will help us create a really special place to eat and stay.

“Channel 5 are going to film the renovation process and the excitement of the opening months, so it will be good for me to be challenged in the way that I challenge others on The Hotel Inspector!”

And Olga Polizzi, an interior designer who lives nearby, said, “I’ve always longed for the opportunity to open a hotel in Sussex. When The Star Inn came on the market, Alex and I leapt at the project.

“We want it to be an integral part of the community and provide a welcoming environment for all, from walkers to opera goers.”

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