The Hotel
St Mary’s Inn opened its doors back in November 2014 and sits on what was the former site of St Mary’s Hospital, branding itself as a pub, with rooms – although it’s really a lot more special than that. The whole experience here is encompassed in what used to be the administration building of the hospital – which has been beautifully restored and is now rather striking to look at. The white washed new addition to the building creates extra dining space and a lovely modern outdoor benched seating area for those summer months. The old part of the derelict hospital can still be seen from the back of the building but is due for demolishment, creating 250 new homes. St Mary’s Inn is located within a prestige newly built housing site, but once you arrive here you’d have no clue – it’s all very tranquil with lush rolling countryside and conveniently located just 20 minutes from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. The B&B side of the operation here is very slick, with 11 gorgeously decorated rooms – especially useful after a few too many local ales from the downstairs pub. This hotel is perfect for any stay but well situated for runners, cyclists and family’s – especially given its close proximity to the wonderful children’s petting farm, Whitehouse Farm. The local village of Morpeth is quaint, but you’ll most probably want to head into Newcastle centre for leisure and shopping facilities.
The Rooms
We stayed in the Bakethin room which was equipped with a very large (and might I add comfy) queen sized double bed, flat screen TV, wardrobe, coffee & tea making facilities – plus a small two-seater area for writing or relaxing and recliner for crashing out after a long walk. The bathroom was a real highlight – modern, extremely large and a nice walk-in shower – it’s very well equipped for disabled guests. There were no bathrobes or slippers, but you mustn’t forget this is a pub with rooms, not a luxury spa hotel. That said the room had an excellent selection of luxury toiletries from Arran Armomatics of Scotland. There is no mini bar but of course it isn’t needed, there is the excellent and well stocked pub at your disposal. Complimentary wireless Internet access was fast and covered most of the hotel. The decor in the room may be rather simple but it’s all very slick, neat and modern with some traditional touches. Whoever designed the rooms here has a very good eye for detail.
The Spa/Gym/Health & Fitness
There is no spa, gym or health & fitness facilities on site – however the area is well situated for walking, hiking and bike riding.
The Food & Drink
The eating area here at St Mary’s Inn is located within the pub where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. A stay here operates on a B&B basis. The breakfast was a real highlight, serving a fantastic continental selection, with croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, cereals and a stunning selection of hams and cured meats (I could have eaten them all day). There is also a hot option which can be ordered off the menu – the corned beef hash is a must order. During lunch and dinner the restaurant serves a very classic pub-style menu with a rotation of specials and a lovely sounding “Pie Night”. We dined here on a Sunday so never really got to see the full muscle flexing of the kitchen, but what we did order was very nice and the pies a real strong point. Our spinach and truffle pie had all the buttery richness we were hoping for. The pub/bar area stocks a good selection of local ales (order the St Mary’s Ale from Tyne valley’s Wylam Brewery), wine by the glass and an array of over 40 different whiskeys to sample. You can read the full review of the restaurant HERE.
The Verdict
I had a lovely stay here at St Mary’s Inn. This pub with rooms is exactly what it says on the tin, but with a little something special added. The whole place is bright, breezy and modern with rooms that pack more style then you’d expect. While its location is a little odd within a housing estate, it has become the centre of a community and means the atmosphere is always buzzing. If like me you fancy a few too many local pints of ale, hearty dinner and comfy bed, then this is for you. Otherwise why not book a room, explore the area on bike or walk for miles in the lush green surroundings. They also have a dedicated room which can accommodate the canine part of the family – it’s not often you find a place which lets you bring the dog along.
St Mary’s Inn
St. Mary’s Lane
St. Mary’s Park
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 6BL
Tel: 01670 293293
