Determined to wring every last drop out of the weekend, Lisa and I recently made the short dash down to Durham for an overnight stay that once again reminded us why this city never loses its charm.
Durham remains the quintessential British university city – a tapestry of cobbled lanes, nightlife and riverbanks so idyllic they practically beg to be painted. And being “not far, but far enough” from Northern Insight HQ in Newcastle, it continues to be a failsafe choice for a restorative staycation.
Perched enviably on the banks of the Wear, the Radisson remains one of the region’s ‘blu-riband’ hotels, blending the convenience of a city centre base with the amenities of a sprawling, destination escape. Its spa, leisure facilities and upmarket restaurant make it a genuine allrounder for both business and leisure travellers.
The hotel’s multi-million pound refurbishment – now well bedded in – has elevated the guest experience even further. The groundfloor transformation still impresses: a sleek reception, cutting edge conference spaces and a stylish bar area with views towards Durham Cathedral and Castle. Even in the depths of early year gloom, the chic space radiated warmth and sophistication.
We ditched the bags and headed straight out to reacquaint ourselves with downtown Durham. Few hotels can boast so many UNESCO World Heritage treasures within strolling distance, and it’s a pleasure to simply wander and absorb the atmosphere.
Returning later, we were shown to our sumptuous secondfloor Riverview Room – a real highlight of the stay. Spacious, serene and beautifully finished, it offered plush seating, boutique toiletries, a hitech Nespresso machine and sweeping views across the river. It was the kind of room that instantly lowers the shoulders and quietens the mind.
Dinner at Jozef ‘s Riverside Bar and Restaurant once again proved a standout. The venue pays homage to Count Józef Boruwalski, the Polishborn musician who famously retired to Durham in the early 19th century, and the restaurant’s lively, slightly offbeat personality reflects this inspiration.
After a pair of inventive cocktails, I began with panfried scallops followed by slow cooked minted lamb, served with creamy mashed potato and a glossy red wine jus. Lisa plucked out a perfect roasted beetroot salad, followed up by the pan-fried seabass fillets with pea potato and baby onion fricassee, bathed in a dill cream sauce.
A glass of white for Lisa and a nice Rioja for yours truly completed this pretty picture.
A restful night’s sleep later, we drifted down to the spa for a morning tuneup. With its modern cardio and resistance equipment, it provided just the right amount of exertion before a hearty breakfast back in the riverside restaurant.
What continues to impress about the Radisson Blu is its refusal to stand still. Its upgraded events spaces are now among the most versatile in the region, ideal for conferences, weddings and private celebrations, while the hotel strikes that rare balance between style, comfort and warm northern hospitality.
A wise choice, then, for anyone seeking a refined city break or a polished base for business.
For more information, visit www.radissonbludurham.com