For many of us this year, dreams of golden beaches and Andalusian sunsets would fade from view. The ongoing coronavirus crisis derailed Summer Holiday plans and many were forced to trade sun and sea for traffic jams and Test Match Special.
This certainly extended to my wife Lisa and I who like nothing more than dusting down our holiday budgie smugglers and picking out our Summer reading at the local Waterstones.
We weren’t however too disheartened, as avowed disciples of the ‘mini-break’, when the chance arose to review Elmbank Hotel and Lodge – a lovely city centre hotel in York. The hotel is under the umbrella of the Cairn Group – a classy outfit based in Newcastle whose leisure portfolio now extends to over 30 venues across the country.
‘Not too far but far enough’ – York offers the perfect mini-break escape, easily reachable from Newcastle and packed with things to do. The city holds immense sentimentality value for us, being the scene of many dates whilst ‘courting’ as I’m sure my kids will shudder upon reading!
Elmbank Hotel and Lodge is located in the city’s historic Mickelgate district and is an elegant 19th century townhouse, sympathetically restored to offer a boutique guest experience. Location wise, you’d struggle to do better with the hotel a mere stone’s throw away from the quaint cobbled streets, shops, restaurants and historic attractions which make York such a culturally rich and intriguing city.
For those swerving train travel, ample parking is available on site and we pulled up decidedly impressed. The greeting on arrival was warm and ebullient whilst our guest suite was a haven of comfort and luxury. Elmbank Hotel and Lodge boasts 62 guest rooms in total which are all tastefully appointed. Many retain the building’s original period features with nods to York’s equestrian roots and the hotel’s vibrant history.
After reclining with a glass of fizz, we rallied ourselves to get out and explore the city. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do with York Minster, The Shambles, York Museum Gardens and the City Walls all within walking distance. For when the sightseeing demands a break, the hotel’s Peacock Bar and Leetham’s Restaurant offer chic spaces to unwind and refuel.
We drank in the atmosphere in the bar area before adjourning to the restaurant for a memorable dining experience, heavy on fresh and seasonal produce. Lisa kicked off with the lentil and butternut squash soup of the day which carried a hint of the autumnal whilst I polished off the black pudding bon bon with Bramley Apple Sauce.
Following up, Lisa tackled the crispy skinned half roast chicken with garlic & parsley butter whilst I plumped for the slow cooked pork belly with mashed potato, sauteed greens, roasted apple and onion puree. The restaurant promises “The Finest of Yorkshire’s Cuisine” and certainly delivered this with real aplomb, not to mention some little international inflections.
Nigh on 12 hours later, the restaurant was transformed into a breakfast brasserie serving speciality coffees, pastry baskets, grab & go items and more substantial cooked-to-order dishes which set us up for the road ahead.
Whilst I can’t promise they’ll serve up 30 degree weather, The Elmbank Hotel and Lodge provided a little ray of sunshine for us in what has proved a challenging, uncertain Summer.
Now heading into the colder months, the hotel offers a fantastic place to escape to for a mini break or a spot of Christmas shopping. Well worth a visit for those travelling from Newcastle and beyond.