The Three Mile Inn has been a drinking institution in Gosforth for as long as I remember. The much-loved landmark has over the years played host to countless Friday night drinks, family meals, business meetings and - perhaps most boisterously - to the post-match revelry of a Newcastle Falcons fixture.
With much residential property within touching distance, the complex acts as a hub for those who live nearby, not to mention as a pit-stop before or after a race day at Newcastle Racecourse.
Now, the venue has a further lease of life following the opening of the Great North Hotel built on the existing land to accompany and improve its existing offering.
Adopting my old maxim “you don’t have to go far to have a good time” , I was delighted to visit recently with my wife Lisa for an overnight stay review. What immediately impressed us was how much the Great North Hotel has to offer North East business folk. Set on the Great North Road, the hotel is a useful outpost for business meetings with easily accessibility to central Newcastle, Northumberland and the A1. Not only does the 64 room leisure development offer luxury modern accommodation but also purpose-built conference suites with facilities for up to 80 delegates. Each space is fully airconditioned and bathed in natural daylight with WiFi, dimmable lighting and barco connectivity bolstering its technological credentials. We however were here for pleasure and in our short stay had plenty. Upon checking in, we received the friendliest of welcomes and were upgraded to a sumptuous junior suite. These are roomy, modern spaces designed with comfort and style in mind. They are also salubriously equipped with rainfall showers, luxury linen, plasma TVs and tea & coffee making facilities.
The former favourite Scalini’s has also had a contemporary facelift and now operates as Pizza Dough Co. – a fun, New York style pizza restaurant serving stonebaked pizzas from its state-of-the-art pizza oven. Wash these down with a craft beer or a homemade cocktail.
For once, as a self-confessed pizzaholic, we swerved this, dining instead in the sleek, woodpanelled Three Mile Inn bar area. From a terrific, globe-trotting menu, Lisa kicked off with the courgette and lemon arancini whilst I opted for garlic and chilli king prawns. This was followed by chicken fillet with potato fondant and tenderstem broccoli for the health conscious Mrs G and a delicious salmon teriyaki for yours truly enlivened with fresh ginger and soy sauce.
Following a full eight hours sleep, I rose with the larks for a bracing jog around Gosforth Park whilst Lisa revelled in the extra peace and quiet. Those working away will also be delighted to learn that there’s also a cooked breakfast offering in full swing. Indeed, we enjoyed both the traditional Full English and more modern smashed avocado on toast in a cross-generation spanning start to the day.
Whether you’re an enterprising business traveller seeking comfort and luxury or simply looking for a new place to try locally , the revamped Great North Hotel has much to offer business and leisure customers alike.
