The hotel is now part of the prestigious Macdonald group although it has a very interesting history before its current incarnation.. Linden Hall was originally a mansion house and the family home of Charles William Bigge. It is of historical significance as it is a fine example of Georgian architecture and a Grade II listed building. Bigge was a successful Newcastle banker and he enlisted the services of Sir Charles Monck in its design, who had a keen interest in the Greek revival style. There are a few noticeable classical pillars about which testify to this style. Monck was also aided by the newly qualified architect John Dobson. John Dobson was a very significant figure in the history of the Newcastle area as he designed much of the beautiful Georgian city centre - including Grey Street - of Newcastle and other stately homes in the area such as Belsay Hall. The house was also a military hospital during the war. In 1978 it became a hotel, a bit like in Downton Abbey, but real.

Always nice to wake up to!

There are a number of dining options at the hall from the more simple fayre at the Linden Tree pub which is in the grounds of the hotel; to the more formal Dobson restaurant awarded two rosettes by the AA. We were lucky enough to sample the seven course meal in the luxurious Dobson Restaurant and this was really a first class dining experience. Looking out over the beautiful country estate we were served course after course of delicious food. You can also order a flight of wines with this meal which pairs a different type of wine with each course - another a fun thing to do.

The meal began with a cream of carrot and coriander soup, one of my favourites, and then pressed terrine of chicken, pan seared Scottish salmon, pan roasted lamb with a sweet pepper ratatouille or seared loin of crispy belly pork.

Course no3 - succulent salmon

Next came the desserts. The lemon posset was absolutely to die for, then a warm brioche with brie and drizzled honey, followed by a pistachio, apricot and raspberry Marscapone mousse.  Then, as if that wasn’t enough, coffee and handmade petit fours arrived.

The perfect Posset

All of the food was quite delicious and there is even  a vegetarian alternative. If you really want a gastronomic treat in lovely surroundings then let David Quinn the talented chef at Linden Hall Hotel show you his skill. David has worked in several double and triple rosette restaurants across England including the prestigious Michelin starred Auberge Du Lac at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.

Paul Quinn Linden Hall's chef, and his sous chef wife

Linden Hall hotel is a great option for a place to stay if you are visiting the beautiful North of England. The stunning grounds are filled with majestic mature trees and if you like golf then this could be the hotel for you. If you would just prefer to relax and indulge yourself then the spa and the very fine Dobson Restaurant might be a preferred choice.. The restaurant was the highlight of our visit, and a real treat. Linden Hall Hotel is only a few miles from the gorgeous North East coast with Bamburgh castle, Seahouses and the world famous Holy Island close by. It is also on the edge of the stunning Northumberland National Park – one of England’s least known areas of outstanding natural beauty, and so is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland – the English county with the least visitors and the most castles!

Sleep well!