I have always admired venues who consistently tinker with their offering and one such venue is Jesmond Dene House which is shaking things up with a major refurbishment programme.
The independently-owned hotel has recently partnered with local interior designer, Karen Walker to commence a programme of upgrading the guest rooms, meeting spaces and Great Hall in stunning fashion. With this in mind, my wife Lisa and I booked in and were blown away by the hotel’s fresh new look.
Nestled on the banks of the Dene, the hotel’s location is quite unique in the respect that it has the feel of a traditional country house property yet is in such close proximity to Newcastle City Centre. The hotel boasts 40 bedrooms in total, each individually-decorated in true boutique style.
Following a cheery welcome, we found our room in the New House building which is adjacent to the main hotel. At a glance, the new makeover was evident within our Junior Suite complete with fabulous new furnishings and design.
With its own private entrance away from the main hotel, the New House appeals to both business and leisure dwellers seeking that extra bit of space and privacy. We revelled in being in our private bolthole which seemed the perfect spot to enjoy some quality time together. Some of the rooms have private patios, perfect for a balmy Summer’s eve, whilst many afford some great views across the Dene and surrounding woodland.
When you get hungry (or thirsty), guests can retreat back to the hotel for some fine food & drink. The 2AA rosette Restaurant with Garden Room remains a destination venue in its own right, serving fresh, innovative dishes of the modern British persuasion. There’s also the Billiard Room, Cocktail Bar with every spirit imaginable, and a sun terrace where we enjoyed a swift, pre-dinner G&T.
Jesmond Dene has become a real haven for foodies and has the menu to merit. Dishes are driven primarily by the seasons and feature some unique flavour combinations.
To start, Lisa chose the Cured Serrano Ham with Celeriac and Garden Lovage whilst I opted for the Roast Veal Carpaccio with Rhubarb, Beetroot and Spicy Pecorino Cheese.
Our waiter was very knowledgeable about wine and was happy to recommend an appropriate chaperone to each course.
Following up, Lisa enjoyed the Roast Venison Saddle with Celeriac, Garden Apple, Kale and Hazelnut a bold marriage of flavour executed very well here. I chose the Chicken Supreme with Wild Leeks and Potato Gnocchi, packed with flavour and greatly enjoyed.
Totally replete, we body swerved desserts in favour of our favourite liqueurs before collapsing into bed for a rare, unbroken eight hours sleep.
The following morning, we breakfasted regally on a full English – cooked to order – and got ready to head for the hills.
Before doing so, we took the opportunity to check out the hotel’s ‘Secret Garden’ venue – new for 2018. The outdoor events space, which lies at the bottom of the hotel’s grounds serves as an enchanted forest in the middle of the city. With its own private bar and BBQ area, it’s perfect for a garden party networking event with live music, fire pit and festoon lighting in the trees.
Clearly this is not a venue content to rest on its laurels. Combining new look rooms, award-winning dining and warm service, Jesmond Dene House ticks all the boxes for both business and leisure travellers alike.
Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Jesmond NE2 2EY. 0191 212 3000
www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk