A grand house with contemporary style, a leafy setting near the heart of the city. Jesmond Dene House is neither a townhouse nor a country house hotel. It’s simply 40 well-designed rooms in a richly historic building offering understated luxury and rather good food. Overlooking the wooded valley of Jesmond Dene, it guarantees peace, escapism and a refreshing change. Newcastle’s city centre, however, is only a five-minute drive.
Fresh and light interiors are set against the fine, rich features of this Arts and Crafts house. Big beds, big bathrooms, space to work, space to relax. There are handsome rooms for meeting, dining and celebrating - from the wood-panelled Great Hall to the light-filled garden room. Eight of the rooms and suites are in the New House, a modern interpretation of Arts and Crafts style. Food is straightforward, flavoursome, fresh, and with Terry Laybourne’s sure touch. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly but with a passionate attention to detail. No gimmicks, no fuss; just a genuinely warm welcome and an invitation to indulge.
Additional Comments:
It’s arguable whether the food or the bed is the most important part of a hotel. You need to feel rested but, equally, a little light temptation makes for a memorable stay. At Jesmond Dene House, the emphasis is on creating fine, flavoursome food where there’s both respect and passion for the ingredients. The cooking is skilful, generous and heartfelt with dishes inspired by the rhythm of the seasons - asparagus and tender lamb in spring, for example, wild mushrooms and game in autumn. Produce comes from trusted and responsible sources, preferably local and, where possible, organic: beef from the Tyne valley, venison from County Durham, oysters from Holy Island, herbs from the hotel garden.
Although the style of cooking has an assured, classic foundation, it takes a fresh and spirited approach with each dish created as a response to the day’s market produce. It’s food that is about simplicity, craftsmanship and honesty; a little artistry, a lot of love. Ultimately, it’s food to please the taste buds.
The restaurant has two dining areas: the former music room with its delicate plasterwork and dramatic colours, and the oak-floored, light and leafy garden room. White cloths, crisp tableware, simple candles.
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