By Michael Grahamslaw
John Dobson designed Jesmond Dene House in the early 19th Century for the then Mayor of Newcastle Upon Tyne. While the house has been refurbished at various points throughout its history, its status as a Grade II Listed Building stands as a symbol of its prestige.
The great architect Dobson’s influence in the emergence of the city cannot be overstated: Newcastle Central Railway Station, The Grainger Market, Old Eldon Square. Iconic locations in a bustling metropolis.
On arrival at Jesmond Dene House, then, it is hard, if not impossible, to believe that we are situated so close to the bustling city that Dobson was so instrumental in creating.
Here there are no frantic shoppers, no rushing metros, and no match day footfall. This is a slither of peace in a frantic world.
Jesmond Dene House is tranquil, soothing, quiescent. Birds sang and bees buzzed as me and my wife Lisa were warmly welcomed in the gentle breeze of early summer.
Friendly staff showed us to the exquisite Noble Suite, with super king size bed, spacious seating area, walk-in shower and bath. The room is stylishly furnished with a slick, modern feel (although well-informed staff did advise us that each room is uniquely decorated).
Despite this comfort, luxury and modernity, the sense of heritage in this historic building remains. We were left in no doubt about this as we stepped up to the hidden, turreted roof terrace, complete with iconic views of the dene.
After a quick change and a gentle livener in the well-appointed bar, we made our way through to the restaurant for a late Sunday lunch.
We were shown to a table overlooking The Secret Garden, a stunning scene resembling a Katherine Mansfield short story.
The waiter, seemingly reading my mind, informed me that the place is available for private hire – the perfect setting for a future Northern Insight soiree? Seriously though, this was a beautiful location for a Sunday dinner. Romantic enough, even, to earn the approval of my lovely wife Lisa.
The Sunday lunch menu is exceptional value at £39 for 2 courses and £45 for 3.
Prior to ordering, we were served Focaccia with cultured butter, a continental twist in a quintessentially British setting.
Starters arrived: smoked haddock fishcake for me, squash and carrot velouté for Lisa, followed by Aged Beef Rump and Thyme Roasted Half Chicken for each of us respectively. All roasts are accompanied with seasonal vegetables, roast and mashed potatoes and huge Yorkshire puddings with red wine gravy.
Despite all this, we bravely soldiered on and managed to devour vanilla cheesecake with cherry sorbet. The culmination of a Pan-European menu with thoroughly English-sized portions. This superb fayre was produced by the newly appointed Head Chef Gareth Rayner and his excellent team.
In such a setting and with such full stomachs a sense of tranquillity fell upon us, which seemed to be felt by fellow guests. The conservatory hummed with languid conversation as we whiled away the hours drinking delicious coffee liqueurs and admiring the scenery.
We woke next morning feeling like we had slept for two nights (the king-size may have had something to do with this) and made our way down for a lovely breakfast which topped off what was an unbeatable weekend in a truly special location.
For more information, visit jesmonddenehouse.co.uk