Walking on Aire
A Yorkshire bolthole beside the pretty River Aire was the relaxing venue for a welcome break for STUART GREER
THERE is a saying that a business is only as good as its employees. On that basis, you may not expect a three star hotel to boast five star staff. But I can safely say that’s what you get at the Mercure Bradford Bankfield Hotel, where I could not fault any of them.
From the chipper, laid back teenage barman, to the frantic, multi-tasking 40-something attendant who raced to and from the raucous event room which was full of partying rugby players, to our exceptional and charming waiter, Mike. Everyone played their part in making our brief stay memorable for all the right reasons.
The hotel building is a curious beast. When I arrived up the snaking driveway I was struck by the landscaped gardens and Gothic grandeur of the mansion house and impressed.
With trails of ivy crawling up the building, it really is stunning. But some of that majesty is lost to the modern extensions, which host the conference suite and extra rooms.
That said, a lot of work has been done to try to blend the original and modern structures, and the glass bridge between the east wing of the hotel has stunning views across the gardens and fields to the rear, towards the River Aire.
There are four types of room at the hotel: standard, privilege, superior - with a four poster bed - and family room.
Our ‘privilege’ room boasted a massive double bed, a big comfy lounge chair and work desk, which certainly didn’t see any work.
The decor is pleasant, with rich browns and yellows, although a little bland. The bathroom is a little tired, but all the mod cons were there with flat-screen TV, WiFi and to my delight, a Nespresso coffee machine.
Our first task on arrival was to try the afternoon tea and we got a lovely table in the Brasserie and enjoyed a selection of sandwiches, including salmon, cucumber and cheese, before scoffing the selection of sweets including a brownie, chocolate mousse and scone.
It was all washed down with a nice glass of prosecco.
With our dinner reservation four hours away, there was enough time to take a tour of the area. Set in Bronte country the wonderful Yorkshire hills are all around.
But with no will to strap on my walking boots and yomp up any of them, I only had energy to take in the banks of the River Aire, which leads to Roberts Park.
If I had more energy I may have taken the longer trek to the market town of Bingley via the LeedsLiverpool canal and the famous boating meeting point, Five Rise Locks.
If I had more time I would have taken a drive out into Bronte country, the bleak and desolate landscape which fuelled the imagination of the sisters in writing their classic novels.
With the weather looking unsavoury, my wife and I indulged ourselves by cozying up to enjoy the Saturday papers.
In the summer months I can imagine spending this time lapping up the last of the sun in the gardens with maybe a cold beer or two.
We got dolled up for our dinner reservation at 8.30pm and found time to get a drink at the bar before the ever attentive Mike guided us to our table.
Our stay was shared with dozens of rugby club players and their wives, intent on making the most of their annual ball.
To my astonishment, and to the credit of the staff, our evening was never disturbed by the revelry.
The Brasserie serves a tempting selection of bistro-style and regional dishes.
For a starter I opted for the smoked haddock fishcake with spinach, poached egg and saffron hollandaise, which was so good I wished I had asked for it to be upgraded to a main, after my half roast, spicy slaw and sweet potato fries failed to deliver.
My wife balanced temptation and healthy living with her choices, starting with the superfood salad of goats’ cheese, beetroot, fennel, pumpkin seed, quinoa with a lemon dressing.
It allowed her to leave any guilt at the door of burger-heaven and devour the falafel burger in brioche with grilled halloumi, red onion chutney and cucumber raita, with thick-cut chips.
Her verdict: as divine as it sounds.
With the distant sound of a party vibe, we refresh our palates with cocktails in the guise of the Stiletto Sling, which has Amaretto Disaronno, bourbon, cranberry juice, lime and soda.
Leaving the party animals to it, we took our leave and got a long overdue early night.
After a hearty breakfast we departed satisfied by a stay which while brief will remain with us for all the right reasons.