Nothing quite beats the city during the festive build up. Matchdays under the floodlights, welcome pints in cosy pubs, retail therapy amidst the Christmas hustle and bustle; there's really no place like it.
With this in mind, and after putting the November edition of Northern Insight to bed, we decided to blend some early Christmas shopping with a relaxing stay at the Maldron Hotel in Newcastle.
Opened in 2018, the Maldron – part of the Irish hotel chain – has swiftly carved out a reputation for its comfortable accommodations, versatile events facilities and a food & drink offering that consistently impresses.
Having stayed here previously, we’ve always been struck by the team’s friendly and professional approach, a hallmark of Anna Wadcock’s expert management. Anna, who I’ve known for many years, ensures service levels are consistently high, blending youthful energy with seasoned expertise.
This visit was no exception: we were met with the warmest of welcomes upon check-in, setting the tone for what was to be a memorable stay.
On arrival, there was a palpable buzz about the place with Sunday Lunch diners mingling in the lounge area with Newcastle fans settling down to watch the afternoon’s game away to Chelsea. Not even a crushing defeat could spoil our first impressions as we made our way to our deluxe double room.
Our room was everything you’d expect from a modern city-centre hotel – and more. At its centrepiece was a luxurious King Koil bed, promising a restful night’s sleep replete with plush pillows and linen.
The room also featured complimentary toiletries, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Attention to detail was evident throughout, from the thoughtful ambient lighting to the generous tea and coffee-making facilities. Subtle pops of Maldron yellow punctuate the décor – an emblem of that classy, four-star hotel appeal.
After a quick freshen-up, we parted ways: Lisa headed off for her Christmas shopping spree, while I lingered behind to watch the remainder of the Toon game in the lounge with a few pints of Vitamin G.
When in an Irish hotel, you must understand!
The bar area is both stylish and welcoming, making it an ideal spot to relax with a drink.
As evening fell, we reconvened in the hotel’s restaurant, a tastefully appointed space that combines a contemporary aesthetic with a warm and inviting ambiance. The menu was extensive, showcasing a wide array of dishes to suit all palates.
To start, I opted for the Original Buffalo Wings, which were perfectly crispy with just the right amount of spice, accompanied by a creamy blue cheese dip. Lisa chose the tomato, goat’s cheese, and basil tart, a dish as elegant – and artfully presented – as it was flavourful.
For mains, I couldn’t resist the traditional fish and chips, which arrived golden, crispy, and served with a generous portion of mushy peas and tartare sauce. Lisa, meanwhile, went for the slow-braised featherblade of British beef, a melt-in-the-mouth triumph served with rich gravy and buttery mash.
Although we were nearing capacity, the dessert menu proved similarly irresistible. We shared the warm chocolate pudding with salted caramel ice cream, a decadent finale to a thoroughly enjoyable meal and a nice pre-cursor to inevitable festive overindulgence.
The Maldron’s restaurant deserves special mention for its attentive service and impeccable presentation. Every dish was delivered with care, and the staff ensured our dining experience was seamless from start to finish.
The Maldron Hotel ticks all the boxes for a city-centre getaway. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Newcastle’s shopping, nightlife, and cultural offerings, while the hotel itself provides a haven of comfort and top-notch hospitality.
Ireland has spawned many Christmas heroes over the years; Shane MacGowan, Liam Neeson in Love Actually, James Joyce’s short stories, Jameson Coffees on those sleepy afternoons between Christmas and New Year; and now, most recently, the Maldron Hotel!
For more information, visit www.maldronhotels.com/newcastle