Jesmond Dene House Hotel, Newcastle

Dec 13 2009 by Eddy Eats

Character 5
Quality 4
Service 5
Value 3

Rating: 17/20

MAYBE I was overcome by an early bout of the festive spirit last weekend because I reckoned it was time to treat the better half to some proper posh nosh . . . but where to go?

Well we’d read a few glowing reports about the Jesmond Dene House Hotel in the papers recently and Mrs Eats was keen for a bit of a nose around.

So we plumped for a little luxury just a stone’s throw from the middle of Newcastle.

We took our customary stroll along the very pleasant and peaceful Dene until we came to our chosen venue for the main event. The hotel looks like a lavish country house nestling in the woods and judging from the cars in the car park has a rather more upmarket clientele than some of our previous choices.

I’d booked our table that morning and on arrival wondered if the staff had twigged who I was. The welcome was the real star treatment and Mrs Eats was very impressed! We took a table for a leisurely drink but despite a list of beers as long as your arm, I had to go for a bottle of Black Sheep, as there didn’t seem to be any draught ale.

No matter, our surroundings were what is known as "understated and contemporary", the service was attentive and friendly and the drinks served just right.

When the menus came, a quick glance and we were filled with anticipation. Every option was tempting and it seems this award-winning 3 AA Rosette restaurant is going for top quality, but unfussy food, and that is fine by us!

On Sundays, head chef, Pierre Rigothier serves the classic roast beef and Yorkshire pudding amongst others and light, flavoursome starters.

Ingredients are seasonal, and you’ll find scallops from Scotland, organic beef from Northumberland, pigeon from France on the menu alongside many herbs, fruit and vegetables that come from the hotel’s own garden.