De Vere Slaley Hall,

 

 

De Vere Slaley Hall,
Slaley, Hexham,
Nr. Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
Northumberland,
NE47 0BY
Tel: 01434 673350
www.devere.co.uk

My satellite navigation system was programmed to make the journey from my north east base for half term week, Stanley, on the outskirts of Gateshead and Newcastle, a journey of less then twenty five minutes. Following behind in his car was fellow golfer and son-in-law Jamie, keen to enjoy our forthcoming family golf competition as well as having the opportunity to have a closer look at Slaley Hall, part of the De Vere hotel group. Jamie had previously worked at The Belfry, another well known hotel and golf complex; this was going to be day of great interest to see how this Northumberland gem was shining, especially after the heavy snow of early February.

The hotel was well signposted; the scenery quite breathtaking, little traffic and a clear blue sky, the scene was set for an enjoyable day. Our arrival an hour before our tee off time enabled us to have the opportunity to sample the delights of a golfing breakfast, Jamie succumbing to the delights of a coffee and a couple of bacon and egg rolls, neatly and very professionally arranged by the chef, overseeing the breakfast arrangements for a dining room full of romantic couples who had stayed overnight to celebrate Valentines Day at the hotel the night previous. With deep red roses adoring every table and heart shaped arrangements supporting the romantic atmosphere Jamie gazed longingly towards his bacon and egg rolls, his eyes suggesting that this was what golf was all about, the build up!
We were booked on the Hunting Course, one of two on the grounds, and one that has been used on the professional tour, providing us with a substantial challenge. With bright sunshine, challenging holes and great competitive company this really was a golfing day to remember, even though our lack of fitness told in the last two holes as we shared a dream of a chilled lager. Not only that but Jamie matched his handicap and I beat mine by two shots, reward enough to celebrate and enjoy the luxury of the refurnished clubhouse bar with its menu, luxurious surroundings and views.

After golf we went to take my luggage to my room, dominated by a huge bed, with able support by a round table, matching arm chair, working desk with internet access and a television, with a menu of movie channels available. Lighting is a vital part in any room and my room at Slaley certainly passed the test, offering numerous lighting options from wall lights, bedside lighting and reading lamps, sadly none of them shedding sufficient light to enable me to complete my crossword.

The bathroom, fully tiled with a joint bath/shower and an abundant supply of fresh towels and toiletries. I was also impressed with the supply of an ironing board, iron, hair dryer and internet supply cable, all within easy reach, ideal for golfer or corporate client alike, the hotels host a number of business conferences during the course of a year. I was less impressed to see a wine cork on the carpet, possibly the sole remaining evidence of a romantic pre dinner drink the night before, everything else was fine.
Dinner was booked for 8.00 so I enjoyed a very lazy bath before carrying a pile of local newspapers and magazines down to the cocktail bar for a pre dinner drink, and sat next to one of those wonderful pebble gas fires. A voucher had been left for guests to enjoy a free drink prior to eating, ( a welcome touch) so I enjoyed a chilled glass of white as I devoured the local news and features, including the excellent De Vere magazine.
The menu was large, in both choice and physical size, and included a Menu of the Day and a selection of Valentine specials with additional starters, mains and desserts with a romantic connection, together with a highly impressive wine list with almost fifty bottles on offer.
I selected a starter from the Menu of the Day, a warm grilled chorizo sausage with Caesar salad, a very pleasing light starter, the lightly spiced sausage matched well to the crunchy fresh salad in colour, taste and texture.
My wine choice arrived at this time, perfect as I was just finishing my chilled white. For my choice I travelled to South Africa, selecting a Slaley wine, a Hunting Family Slaley Shiraz 2000, produced by the actual descendants of the Hunting family who built Slaley Hall way back in 1912. Today the Hunting family produce their award winning wines from Simonsberg in the Stellenbosch area of South Africa.
Simply stunning, silky smooth, certainly one to chase, find and share with friends, so much so that I have already made contact with South Africa to secure a case.
For my main course I went for a menu upgrade and chose the ballotine of maize fed chicken with local black pudding, rosti potato, creamed Savoy cabbage and merlot jus, a quite stunning chicken dish, not my normal choice at all. The chicken, moist and tender was dominant, but, in true Oscar tradition, very well supported with the locally sourced black pudding, not everyone