StyleNest recently stayed at Jesmond Dene House Hotel, returning to Newcastle’s finest boutique hotel.
Pulling up to the leafy woodland backdrop of Jesmond Dene House Hotel, the location is ideal. Close to both town and country, you can take a stroll in the nearby dene (with a Pet’s Corner should you have little ones), head to the coffee-shop-clad nearby Jesmond or take a trip to Newcastle itself. Checking into the hotel, we were happy to discover our accommodation would be in the New House, a building separate to the main hotel and with a private entrance. Because we’ve experienced the gorgeous main hotel before, it was nice to have a change.
We were staying in a Junior Suite on the top floor, a loft suite complete with stairs, seated area, bath big enough for 2, still and sparkling water, Arran Aromatics bathroom goodies, free Wifi, the latest glossy magazines and, locally sourced coffee and biscuits. The décor is like the rest of the hotel, modern yet classic and totally timeless in a very luxurious way.
After an afternoon spent chilling out in our suite and a walk in the nearby wooded dene, we took a quick taxi ride into Newcastle for some pre-dinner drinks. Returning to the hotel, we found our way to the restaurant, an elegant room of ambient setting, adjacent to both the hotel bar and drawing room in which you can also have afternoon tea.
Having called ahead about specific dietary requirements, I was shown the items on the menu which were suitable and brought some gluten-free bread. Definitely making a refreshing change from bread-free dinners, these requirements were also noted at breakfast without my having to remind anyone. Attention to detail and providing guests with such excellent service is part of the charm of Jesmond Dene House.
All food is seasonal, marking how seriously this restaurant takes the preparation of their delicious dishes. To start, we tucked into Celeriac Soup with Roasted Chestnuts, Apple and Stilton Tortellini and Ham Knuckle Terrine with Pease Pudding, Apple and Fennel. Already enjoying the evening, our mains were; Braised Ox Cheek with Heritage Vegetables, Creamed Potatoes and Grand Mere, and, Roast Fillet of Bass with Cauliflower, Samphire and Curried Mussels. Both the food and the service absolutely excellent, dessert followed. I picked a selection of sorbets, while the Mr went for a Dark Chocolate Sphere with Salted Caramel, Peanuts and Caramel Ice Cream.
Achieving the right balance between buzzing and calm, a trip to this restaurant always makes for an amazing time, whether it is for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. We chose from the A La Carte menu, but there is also a 7 course tasting menu, early evening, Sunday lunch and private dining available. Full to the brim with fantastic food, we enjoyed an after dinner drink in the bar, before retreating to our suite content and relaxed.
Waking up from a peaceful night’s sleep in our comfortable and luxe suite, we headed down to breakfast. Seated in the Garden Room part of the restaurant, this is a light and airy space overlooking the hotel’s lawn. Outside you will find kids playing or couples having wedding photos, the latter of which we enjoyed 8 years ago when we had our reception here.
Back to breakfast, and you don’t have to be a resident to partake, guests often taking a pit-stop after a walk in the dene. Always a celebration, we even found one family drinking champagne alongside their eggs. You can choose from food such as freshly baked pastries, bircher muesli, yoghurt, fruit and/or a cooked plate, with the big block of locally cultivated honey catching my eye in particular. We decided to dive into some hot and cold food, both having Eggs Benedict alongside our fruit compote. Other options are; Craster Kipper, Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs with Toasted Brioche.
Ready to face our day after another delicious feed, a stay at Jesmond Dene House Hotel always leaves you ready to return. Excellent food, service and a stunning setting makes another visit imperative. So much so, that we extended our trip to stay a second night.
Enjoy an overnight Foodie Special rate at Jesmond Dene House Hotel, which includes an overnight stay with breakfast and a 3 course evening meal available every day from £160 per room.
Jesmond Dene House Hotel, Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE2 2EY | Telephone: 0191 212 3000 | Email: [email protected]