Having reviewed a host of the region's hotspots over the years I'm definitely an adherent to the view that you needn't travel far to have a good time.
Gosforth remains very much a heartland for the magazine and having worked there in a previous life, it’s somewhat surprising that I’d never spent a night at Gosforth’s only boutique hotel; The Townhouse. Until recently! Owing to the kind hospitality of owner Sheila Armstrong, I finally landed the chance to set the story straight.
Occupying an enviable spot on Gosforth’s West Avenue a residential tree-lined street – The Townhouse Hotel is a real urban idyll just 60 seconds from the bustling high street. A very imposing building, the exterior is indicative of its Victorian heritage whilst inside it exudes all the sophistication of the present day. We were warmly received on arrival and soon issued with a parking permit and a free arrival drink. A lovely touch which really demonstrates the level of service at this place with the team aiming to establish very much a home-from-home vibe. Complimentary beer and a weekend free from minor traffic offences? Some early brownie points accrued!
The Townhouse boasts 10 individually decorated bedrooms which possess all the style and panache you’d expect from such a revered boutique property. Each bedroom has its own unique quirks yet ours was particularly opulent. Think shades of rich blue, velvety greys, glam chandeliers and plush bedding. There was even a hi-spec limestone bathroom with marbled sink, heated towel rail and a swish rain shower. “That’s like something you’d find at Augusta” we joked whilst freshening up.
Mindful of the modern business traveller, our room also included a versatile work space comprising writing desk, reading lamp and free wifi access. Tea & coffee making facilities come as standard as does a hairdryer, telephone and LCD TV. We were even lucky enough to blag a much-desired room at the front of the property with great views over the handsome and upmarket setting.
The townhouse’s in-house eatery “The Blue Room Café” is forming quite a reputation for itself with its offering of premier café fayre which champions local produce wherever possible. Much like our bedrooms, the dining area is gorgeously appointed with chunky chesterfield sofas and “proper” armchairs bringing a real sense of homely charm. Frequented by guests and non-guests alike, the café offers home cooked options such as lamb hot pot, thai green curry, beer battered fish & chips, beef burger and also a broad selection of soups and sandwiches. Lighter & healthier options are also available which include eggs benedict, craster kippers and smoked mackerel pate as are a decadent array of cakes and pastries. A menu then well devised with the Blue Room’s swanky suburbanite clientele in mind. New for 2017, The Townhouse have also added Sunday Lunch to their menu with 2 courses available for £13.95. Sadly my son Jack and I just missed out on this so we instead ordered from the suitably-hearty room service menu. Rest assured though I’ll be trying to wangle a review of this in the weeks and months ahead!
I can also personally vouch for the cooked breakfast which followed a heavier night than planned. Chatting and drinking away in the company of The Townhouse’s very affable night porter Sam, we awoke feeling more tender than expected yet this was soon remedied by a quick blast in “Amen Corner” and 2 rounds of the Scottish smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and buttered toast.
Suffice to say then the Townhouse Hotel has an awful lot going for it. A multi-faceted venue which lends itself nicely as a venue for a quick coffee, afternoon tea, lunchtime repast or overnight stay and all within the heart of downtown Gosforth. Being an independently owned venue the team pride themselves on exceptional customer service and I must say that they delivered this in spades. Beware of that complimentary drink though it can quite easily turn into a gallon!
