Hotel of the week
INNSiDE Newcastle
WHERE AND WHY One of the Melia group’s newest hotels, the INNSiDE Newcastle, opened its doors last year on the city’s trendy quayside. It’s the latest in an array of new and renovated buildings transforming the banks of the Tyne into the city’s coolest destination.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms provide amazing views down the Tyne while statement lighting, high ceilings and a sweeping staircase in the public area give it a cool vibe.
Grab a riverside townhouse with balcony for a treat and enjoy retro touches like a round dial phone and Marshall radio alongside modern updates of a yoga mat, Nespresso machine and soft grey bathrobes. This open plan suite also has a sofa bed for the kids and a walk-in shower separating the bathroom and lounge.
ON THE MENU Enjoy antipasti, pizzas, pasta, fresh seafood and grills in TV chef Gino D’Acampo’s waterside restaurant, where he recreates dishes he grew up with in Italy.
The king prawn bruschetta starter with chilli mayo (£9.50) followed by spicy salami pizzas (£14.59) got my teenagers’ thumbs up. My burrata with fresh tomato and chilli salsa (£9.75) followed by sauteed king prawns with garlic, chilli and prosecco (£24) were delectable. Leave room for a pud – my son said his create-your-own sundae (£6.95) with Nutella ice cream, chocolate flake, sauce and buttons and nuts was the best ever.
Breakfast was a fine affair of made-to-order eggs and smoked salmon, with yogurt and granola pots and freshly made chocolate muffins accompanying all the standards.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE Newcastle’s seven Tyne bridges that connect the city with neighbouring Gateshead are on your doorstep. Furthest east is the uber-modern Pringle-shaped Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which turns over to allow tall vessels to pass. While there pop into Baltic – Britain’s largest contemporary art institution – and head to the outside terrace or internal viewing box for fantastic views. Don’t miss the eye-catching Sage music venue; its mirrored side is designed to resemble three ships. Further west lies the iconic Tyne Bridge.
Look out for pop-up events and activities along the quayside – there’s been a city beach, art displays and an urban garden. The city centre’s regal sandstone architecture and shops and restaurants are within
15 minutes’ walk.
WAKE-UP CALL
From £54 a night B&B. melia.com