Isn't it remarkable what the redemptive power of nature can do? One drive into the Northumberland countryside and the stresses of the working dissipate so suddenly.
This was especially true of our recent stay at the idyllic Beadnell Towers, a lovely boutique hotel which lies at the heart of the coastal village.
Still glowing from a recent refurbishment, this is a venue really moving from strength to strength with a new GM, Dale Messenger, and new Executive Head Chef, Paul Johnson, who we knew from his days at the exceptional Ship Inn Wylam.
A short drive away from the A1, this easily accessible hotel is popular with holidaymakers and is so acclaimed it was even included in the Sunday Times’ 100 Best Places to Stay in 2019. It’s little wonder why with so much to do on the doorstep including miles of golden sand, historic ruins and yes, indeed, a golf course or two! This sounded just the job for Lisa and I, so we packed an overnight bag and booked in for all Beadnell Towers has to offer. I’m so glad we did.
Checking in around 3 O’clock, we were shown to one of their tastefully appointed new coach house rooms. Uniquely, each room’s name is inspired by local parlance. Ours, for instance, was christened the “Muckle House” – Geordie slang for “Big House” with others including “Hen Cree” (Hen House), Hyem and Craa’s Nest. Little touches such as this bring a real sense of character to each of the 18 individually decorated rooms with a super kingsize bed, glittering chandeliers and two free-standing copper bathtubs bringing the style. Indeed, the Muckle House proved a real show stopper. After freshening up, we adjourned for some pre-dinner looseners in the comfortable Hotspur Bar. Here there was a pleasing mix of residents and locals with many enjoying the 2 for 1 cocktail hour in full swing between 3pm and 4pm. This certainly worked up an appetite we ate early evening in the adjacent “Towers Kitchen” restaurant. The Towers is a stylish space decked out in shades of chocolate and navy with nautical trinkets and an openkitchen which creating a real sense of spectacle.
As opposed to a fixed offering, the restaurant’s menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and champions the best produce this wonderful county has to offer.
I enjoyed mussels in a stout and orange sauce and Lisa had broccoli and watercress soup with lovely crusty wholemeal bread to accompany.
For main course, I had dry aged sirloin on the bone, with wild mushrooms and cafe de Paris butter with thick cut chips. The more wellbeing conscious Lisa meanwhile continued her New Year health kick with a stunning cod loin served with potato dumplings, purple sprouting broccoli and seaweed & lime butter.
We lingered into the night over an excellent bottle of Merlot before collapsing into bed for a full eight hours sleep which always seems all the more restful after a day in the sea air.
The following morning, we breakfasted regally smoked salmon and eggs before heading home with our mojo replenished and totalyy ready for whatever the working week could throw at us.
A short walk away from some of Britain’s best beaches and spectacular castle’s, the Northumbrian fishing village of Beadnell has the hotel to match the county’s world class attractions.