Few hotels occupy as enviable a location as the Tynemouth Castle Inn.
The 72-bedroom hotel sits on a stunning sweep of dramatic Northern coastline between the burgeoning town centres of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
Despite its prime seafront spot, the hotel had long since fallen into a state of disrepair with my own fond memories of friends’ weddings, concerts and amateur boxing nights fading in the rearview mirror.
Well, never has the term ‘sleeping giant’ been more appropriate!
Following a multi-million pound transformation by the Inn Collection Group, this 1930s icon is now enjoying a new lease of life.
The hotel has been comprehensively transformed and opened at a glitzy launch event in November.
Resplendent with wood-panelled pub, sun terrace and sumptuous guest rooms (57 of which offer a sea view), the hotel offers guests the perfect place to eat, drink and sleep, capturing the romance of a seaside escape with decidedly modern aplomb.
With some highly-prized pre-Christmas holiday, my wife Lisa and I booked in for all this new beachside bolthole had to offer.
Upon arrival, first impressions were good. The venue is totally unrecognisable from what went before and after a warm welcome, we checked into our serene seafront room complete with its own balcony which would be perfect in summer.
In sadly much colder temperatures, we repaired to the cosy confines of the bar instead which doubles as a dining rooms.
Smartly refurbished and warmly lit, the pub has a cosy, inviting feel with patrons basking in the afterglow of their coastal pursuits. Its menu champions home-cooked pub fayre with some culinary touches and regional specialities.
Food is served daily from 7.30am-9pm and also offers a stunning cooked breakfast to guests as we would later discover.
Also onsite there is also a fish and chip outlet ‘Oswins’ and ice cream parlour ‘Cones’ which are sure to prove hugely popular attractions, particularly in the summer months.
Back in the pub, there is an extensive menu with literally something for everyone’s taste and budget – all handmade and freshly cooked to order.
We dined early evening and there was already a lovely mix of residents and local clientele. It would appear the Tynemouth Castle Inn is already winning over coastal hearts and minds.
It was easy to see why.
We dined regally on Korean fried chicken wings and a winter-warming Soup of the Day to start followed up by traditional fish and chips and scampi and chips. Both were warm, nourishing treats, stylishly presented and singing with flavour.
We even found room to share warm triple chocolate brownie. It was nearly Christmas after all.
Whether you’re plotting a seaside escape a la yesteryear or seeking a business stay with a different, the Tynemouth Castle Inn delivers in all areas and it’s great to have this top quality hotel back in business.
The venue also lends itself naturally to private dining and corporate entertaining.
A sage choice for all seasons.
For more information, visit www.inncollectiongroup.com/tynemouthcastle-inn.