Wynyard Serves Up A Winning Mix

Following a string of successful "exclusive" business lunch clubs at Wynyard Hall, I have grown somewhat fond of the venue

The iconic North East venue is a paragon of British hospitality, offering exclusive accommodation, award-winning dining and a much-loved spa. Our lunch dates are often marked by a touch of class and a clear commitment to good customer service.

It remains something of a mystery then why I’ve never once visited for an overnight stay. With this in mind, I booked in with my wife Lisa, to set the story straight.

The drive down to Wynyard is never a taxing one, just a quick scoot down the A1 before arriving at Wynyard Park – a luxury housing development whose former residents include the likes of Duncan Bannatyne and Kevin Keegan. The tree –lined estate has a real exclusive feel whilst on arrival to the hotel itself, the gentle crackle of the pebbled driveway builds a real sense of anticipation.

Inside, the reception is warm and welcoming. We were checked in efficiently before exploring what our guest room had to offer.

We’d been allocated the Duke of Wellington suite – a real picture of luxury, decked out in the richest drapes and furnishings. The room was bathed in tones of walnut and caramel, whilst two plush velvet chesterfield sofas brought a real semblance of style.

Nicely settled in, we enjoyed a quick glass of fizz before checking out the hotel’s temple spa. The spa has seemingly been designed with the guests’ wellbeing in mind. Nestled on the edge of the lake, the space promotes tranquillity and is the perfect hideaway to enjoy a range of facials, massages and infusions. Lisa took full advantage with a “Mediterranean marinade” facial whist I nursed my dodgy piriformis in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the hotel’s breathtaking grounds.

Following this, we warmed up for our evening meal with a quick livener in the library lounge before taking dinner in the 2AA Rosette, Wellington Restaurant.

As one of the hotel’s centrepiece rooms, the restaurant is a spectacle in Georgian splendour with regal gold walls and ornate cornicing. We revelled in our surroundings whist sipping on a lovely Pinot Noir.

The restaurants boasts a true “plot-to-plate” experience with each dish crafted from the finest ingredients home-grown just footsteps away or sourced from bespoke local suppliers.

Kicking off, I chose a platter of Lindisfarne Oysters – enlivened with a drop or two of Tabasco – whilst Lisa opted for the seared ham dived scallop paired with bacon, celeriac and cider essence. Following on, I walloped the beef fillet – Himalayan salt aged for supreme depth of flavour – with bone marrow, beetroots and rainbow chard. Lisa chose the venison loin with crispy pancetta and Wynyard garden pumpkin.

I swerved dessert in favour of an Irish coffee whilst Lisa tucked into a hugely impressive cheeseboard, a stylishly presented assembly featuring all her seasonal favourites. Following a rare eight hours sleep and a Full English breakfast, we adjourned back up the A1 suitably refreshed ahead of another fun-packed week. This was an overnight stay in the top echelon – and one a long time in the making indeed.