I recently had the pleasure of staying at Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel in Consett, County Durham, and I must say, it was a really delightful experience. I had the opportunity to stay in one of their charming newly refurbished cottages, a 2-bedroom haven that truly exceeded my expectations.
I was immediately struck by the modern and tasteful design as you walk into the dining/ living room and open-plan kitchen. The bedrooms were absolutely lovely.
The master bedroom boasted a spacious queensized bed that provided a really comfortable night’s sleep, it was firm, but that’s just how my hubby and I like it. The second bedroom was perfect for friends or family, featuring two cosy single beds. Both rooms were elegantly furnished and projected a serene ambiance that made it easy to relax and unwind.
Entertainment was not lacking either, as each bedroom and the sitting room were equipped with large screen televisions, and the sitting room area another enormous one!
In the dining area was a large oak dining table that could comfortably seat eight people. The beautiful light fixture above it added a touch of sophistication to the space. Although we were actually dining out that night, it was obvious that this area could become a gathering point for enjoying meals and engaging in conversations, making it feel like a home away from home.
The kitchen was fitted with all the modern appliances that you’d need, and everything required to whip up a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just looking to prepare a quick snack, this kitchen had you covered.
We were planning to dine in their on-site restaurant; Prego as we were only there for one night, and this turned out to be a good decision. I wasn’t hungry enough for a starter, but hubby had the Tempura Enoki Mushrooms with Seaweed Mayonnaise. The dish was a delightful combination of crispy tempura-coated mushrooms and a unique, salty seaweed mayo. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite, while the mayo added a refreshing and savoury twist.
Moving on to the main course, the BBQ Lamb Neck was a standout. Tender and flavourful, it paired wonderfully with the velvety artichoke puree and the rich, creamy goat’s cheese potato skins. I’ve never had these before, but it was a good combo! The asparagus added a touch of freshness, and the gravy tied everything together perfectly. The fillet steak served blue, was what my husband ordered, he said it was cooked to perfection. The accompanying tomato, mushroom, and chips were all spot-on too. The side of buttered greens complemented the steak beautifully.
For dessert, we shared the Hedgegrow Berry Eton Mess was a sweet symphony of flavours and textures. The combination of fresh berries, meringue, and cream was simply delicious and a delightful end to an exceptional meal. We actually asked if we could take this to the cottage and the staff were more than happy to oblige.
Oh, I nearly forgot, the breakfast the next day was buffet-style and was a feast for the eyes and belly. You couldn’t have wanted for anything, it was spot on, plus they serve fried bread. I honestly haven’t had that in years, so I did indulge! It was worth skipping lunch for, let me tell you!
Overall, my stay at Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel’s cottage was a memorable one. The combination of comfortable bedrooms, modern amenities, and a well-appointed kitchen made for a perfect retreat, but the restaurant is a good diversion, should you not feel like cooking.
The attention to detail and the elegant design of the facilities truly set this boutique hotel apart. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a relaxing and enjoyable stay in the picturesque surroundings of County Durham.
Derwent Manor Boutique Hote, Allensford DH8 9BB
www.derwentmanorhotel.com
01207 592 000