Theres something especially dramatic about the Northumberland coast at this time of year. The landscape adopts a certain wild beauty and theres nothing better than a seaside retreat for blasting away some of the old executive burnout.
On our radar this month was Beadnell Towers, a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the village which is still glowing from a recent refurbishment. The hotel now boasts deluxe accommodation in the form of 18 individually-decorated deluxe rooms, each named in reference to local parlance. My wife Lisa and I pitched up one Sunday evening to review the experience.
Windswept from some particularly inclement weather conditions, the hotel proved a beacon of warmth upon arrival with a bustling Sunday teatime trade still in full swing. A real hub for the community, this was a mix of residents, locals, dogwalkers and Sunday Lunch stragglers and was exactly the type of place you might stumble across an old friend.
Luckily, we did. We happened across my old friend Steve who we shared a drink with (which turned into several) all within the cosy confines of the wood-panelled Hotspur Bar area. Having been swept up in this haven of good cheer, changing for dinner was out of the question so we instead repaired to the hotels informal yet high quality restaurant, The Towers, for an early dinner.
The Towers is a stylish space decked out in shades of chocolate and navy and complete with an open-kitchen which creates a real sense of spectacle. As opposed to a fixed offering, the restaurants menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and champions the best produce this wonderful county has to offer.
Unsurprisingly, theres an emphasis on seafood with local provenance central to the restaurant as a whole. As is her wont, Lisa kicked off with the crispy fishcakes paired this time with honey roast salmon, smoked bacon and poached egg. I chose the Lindisfarne oysters in a rich red wine and shallot dressing which was an exquisite way to begin. Following up, I chose the Steamed, smokehouse haddock resting on chive mash, and topped with a poached hens egg, smoked bacon, and drizzled with a delicate wholegrain mustard sauce whilst Lisa polished the traditional beer-battered fish with hand cut chips.
During our meal, we met the recently appointed new Group General Manager, Neil Slade, who leads by a shining example. Neil told of us about a working life from outside the area and how The Towers has quickly amassed a strong local following since the refurbishment.
We were doubly impressed upon checking out our guest suite Muckle House Geordie slang for great house. This heritage room was a real showstopping affair featuring a super king-size bed, exposed stonework, high-beamed ceilings and glittering bespoke chandeliers. Two beautiful, free-standing copper bath tubs meanwhile assumed centre stage in an ambient, light-filled bathroom.
After a long soak, we collapsed into bed for a full eight hours sleep which always seems all the more restful on the tranquillity of the coastline.
The following morning, we breakfasted regally on smoked salmon and eggs before heading home with our mojo replenished and ready for whatever the working week could throw at us.
Well positioned on a sweep of Northumberland coastline, Beadnell Towers is well positioned to explore all the area has to offer be it winding beaches, castle walks or market towns. The new refurbishment has retained the character of this 18th century building yet have also added home comforts and a splash of boutique style.
Beadnell Towers has a new lease of life.