A refined new chapter for Northumbrian hospitality, where heritage, craftsmanship and comfort come together in the heart of Alnwick
Set in the heart of historic Alnwick, just a stone’s throw from the Castle gates, the Bailiffgate Hotel is Northumberland’s newest luxury retreat – and one that brings fresh energy and ambition to the region’s hospitality landscape.
Housed in a sensitively restored Georgian building, the five-star standard hotel, which welcomed its first guests at the end of May, combines architectural heritage with modern comfort, offering guests a refined base from which to explore one of the UK’s most captivating corners.
The grand Georgian building, which once served as the Duke’s Commissioner’s House and later the Duchess’s School, has undergone an ambitious and thoughtful transformation under the direction of its owners, Northumberland Estates. Now home to 48 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel blends heritage with contemporary elegance to stunning effect – from the opulent Grand Commissioner Suite to dog-friendly courtyard doubles and Castle View rooms that offer guests cinematic vistas of Alnwick Castle.
At the helm of the hotel is General Manager Bernard Bloodworth, whose connection to the building is deeply personal. “To lead this team and open the doors of a place I once knew as a schoolboy is something I could never have imagined,” Bernard says. “There’s a sense of legacy here – not just architectural, but human. Every guest who checks in becomes part of this building’s new story.”
That story is as much about people as it is about bricks and mortar. With over 70 permanent jobs created, more than 250 local tradespeople involved in the construction, and over 200 weeks of apprenticeships offered during the build, the hotel’s opening has provided a significant boost to the local economy. Bernard adds: “This hotel is more than a luxury experience – it’s an investment in Alnwick’s future, in skills, careers, and regional pride.”
Central to the hotel’s appeal is Motte & Bailey, its signature restaurant led by Executive Head Chef Paul Blakey, whose track record includes two AA Rosette kitchens at some of the region’s finest venues. Paul describes the dining concept as “a celebration of comfort and craft, led by flavour and Northumbrian seasonality.”
His menus are a love letter to the region’s produce – from Craster kipper hash and lamb with shoulder curry, to vegan creations like wild mushroom and truffle tarts. “It’s about offering generosity and elegance on every plate,” says Paul, “without ever being intimidating.”
The food, however, is only part of the draw. The Commissioner’s Bar offers a relaxed space for cocktails and local spirits, while afternoon teas in the light-filled Garden Room or on the courtyard terrace channel timeless English indulgence. Private events are catered for in Mrs Bowmaker’s Room, named for the school’s redoubtable first headmistress.
As a destination, Bailiffgate Hotel is perfectly positioned – not just next to one of the UK’s most iconic castles, but within easy reach of The Alnwick Garden, Lilidorei, and Northumberland’s spectacular coastline. From romance to retreat, culture to cuisine, this hotel delivers with confidence and style.
As Bernard puts it: “We want people to feel like they’ve discovered something truly special – a place that honours its past while offering something fresh and unforgettable.”
With its combination of story, service, and setting, the Bailiffgate Hotel looks set to become a defining feature of the North East’s hospitality landscape – and a proud standard bearer for Alnwick’s next chapter.
www.bailiffgatehotel.com