Cosy up to the Inn crowd
Cat Thomson snuggles up with the home comforts offered at a great getaway spot in Northumberland.
If you are looking for a fabulous gourmet rural retreat, then this is it. Although it’s rush hour when we arrive at Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford, Northumberland, you wouldn’t know it. There is nothing more disruptive than cheerful daffodils swaying gently in a churchyard, a newborn lamb taking its first tentative steps and a stew of oystercatchers feeding on earthworms in a field.
It is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with the River South Tyne babbling softly nearby. The quiet is only broken by two riotous Border collies excitedly racing the quad bike home to a neighbouring farm for tea. We are staying overnight at Kirkstyle Inn, which has just won the Pub of the Year in the North East England Tourism Awards - I have just arrived, and already, I don’t want to leave.
Our room is named Armstrong, and the elegant furnishings and artwork give off home-from-home vibes. The walls are painted the exact shade of silt from the bottom of a muddy river, which is what the word Slaggyford, means. Out of my window, I see fields, the river and fells beyond. In the bathroom, you’ll find environmentally friendly Cumbrian-made Bath House toiletries; sustainability is something the Inn takes very seriously.
Kirkstyle Inn is owned by hospitality veteran Nick Parkinson, who is the son of Michael Parkinson. It boasts four tasteful bedrooms, tastefully decorated by Emily Smoor from Edinburgh-based interior design company, Fantoush. There’s more space in the six-bedroom holiday home, The Old Rectory, next door, if you are planning a larger get-together.
Be sure to book a table in the 40-seater restaurant, and you will be in for a treat. The menu is filled with seasonal dishes rustled up by head chef, Connor Wilson. The Inn has been awarded 3 AA rosettes for culinary excellence and has a mention in the Michelin guide. Choose either to order from the main menu or try the 10-course tasting menu, £105, which you can pair with a wine flight, £90, or an English wine selection, £120.
Although it is quiet, there are lots of things to do nearby. They offer a bespoke concierge service for guests, creating tailored itineraries, with activities like foraging, llama experiences, distillery tours, trips on the South Tyne Railway and stargazing at Hadrian’s Wall on offer. Another plus is that the Inn is dog-friendly, so even well-behaved pooches can enjoy a stay.
If you are looking for an ideal place to escape from the world for a few days or a comfortable overnight spot to break up a longer journey, make a beeline for Slaggyford.
B&B stay based on 2 people sharing a room costs £135, or DBB with a three-course à la carte dinner £350 per night. For more information or to book, visit https://theksi.co.uk/