Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Reader Travel In all its gothic glory
Matfen Hall is the perfect example of how a good hotel should be. It’s a place to eat fantastic food, enjoy beautiful views and let the stresses of everyday life ease away.
The hotel dates back to the late 1820s and is still owned by the Blackett family who opened it up to the public as a luxury country house hotel in 1999, later adding the spa and golf course that have turned it into a North-East destination resort, attractive wedding venue and hot spot for relaxation seekers.
Set in over 300 acres of parkland, Matfen Hall is a wonderful 53 room hotel. The majestic gothic house was built in 1832, but from the moment of arrival, Matfen Hall has a distinctly modern feel in the way it is run, and through the facilities that it offers.
On arrival at reception, the staff who greeted us were professional and friendly, taking the time to show us up to our room, offering to have our bags collected and c o n f i r ming dinner and spa reservations for later in the day.
There are several types of room in the four-star hotel and ours was in the main house, traditionally and tastefully decorated with key pieces of antique furniture mixed with modern touches such as a huge TV and CD player.
On entering our room (number six) it’s fair to say we were both taken aback by the grandeur and elegance of the suite, from the four poster bed, to the huge bathroom suite, to the dark wood table and chairs which look out through a beautiful bay window onto the golf course. The views from Matfen are truly spectacular.
In the heart of the Northumberland countryside, the hotel is also perfect for exploring all the county has to offer.
After unpacking we decided to make the most of our weekend and embarked on some sightseeing.
One of Matfen’s most recent attractions is Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, just a stone’s throw from the hotel.
But we were after something less adventurous and enjoyed a walk in Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, just a short drive away at Belsay, near Morpeth. Inspired by the temples of Ancient Greece, it plays host to art exhibitions and event s throughout the year. The gardens are undoubtedly one of the best attractions, particularly in spring and summer.
Back at the hotel it was time to enjoy the Spa and Dining experience.
The afternoon was s p e nt unwinding in the spa which has a pool, sauna and steam room, followed by a massage in one of the four treatment rooms. The spa uses fantastic Elemis products, and it’s easy to see the staff there are all highly trained.
We were in good hands and left feeling suitably relaxed able to tackle dinner in Matfen’s Library and Print Room Restaurant, awarded 2 AA rosettes, offers the best of contemporary English cuisine. The Library Restaurant is an intimate, fine-dining experience which is in keeping with the high quality ethos that applies to the rest of the hotel.
After a pre-dinner drink in the drawing room, we were shown to our pleasant table for two. The extensive menu featured a good selection of dishes, specialising in quality local ingredients.
These included a velvety smoked pea and ham soup; locally-reared rib eye steak which was served with a side of delicious homemade chips, plum tomatoes, field mushrooms and crispy shallot rings.
The steak was fantastic, we both ordered medium rare and of course the chef did not let us down, it was cooked to absolute perfection.
After the first two courses we decided it would be best if we split a dessert and picked the salted caramel cheesecake, which came served with cappuccino parfait, candied pecans and vanilla cream. This a must for those with a sweet tooth, it was delicious and the pecans added a welcome crunch to the silky dessert, in fact I wished I’d ordered one to myself.
Situated in a grand room, surrounded by all the wonderful books the food was excellent, and the service was equally as good.
After wine and food, and perhaps a little more wine, it was a pleasure to be able to go back to our room and fully appreciate the comfort of the suite.
Our stay was capped off by ordering breakfast to the room, which arrived The stunning Matfen Hall promptly and with a friendly smile and good morning.
Enjoying more good food, while sitting in complimentary robes and slippers, looking out across the ground of Matfen Hall, music piping through the rooms Bose entertainment system, it was agreed that this was an experience that must be repeated again and in the not too distant future.
And so, a super hotel, a wonderful area to explore and a fantastic restaurant. We’ll be back for sure.