IF YOU TRULY VALUE THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE, THE LORD CREWE ARMS, A LOVINGLY RESTORED TWELFTH CENTURY ABBOT’S PRIORY, IS THE HOTEL FOR YOU.

Do you remember paraphrasing Occam’s Razor: ‘the simplest solution is often the best’ in your student days? The principle (which is attributed to a 14th century logician) has guided scientists for decades. Sadly, it’s a theory which never seemed to take in quite the same way amongst hoteliers. From choosing the decor to devising menus, even the owners of thoroughly contemporary hotels can rarely resist an extravagant flourish or two. Therefore, when you find a hotel like the Lord Crewe Arms that keeps things beautifully simple it’s impossible not to be disarmed.

Following a heart-stopping evening drive over icy roads from Liverpool to Blanchland, His & Hers approached The Lord Crewe Arms. The building is a well preserved architectural gem and the surrounding scenery, featuring views across Northumberland, is incredibly easy to warm to.

The owners say: “Once upon a time a twelfth century Abbot’s Priory, The Lord Crewe Arms of today is just as it began; humble, honest and never overstated.” Having checked in and paid a brief visit to our immaculately decorated room to ditch our luggage, the warmly lit and inviting Crypt Bar beckoned. The friendly and knowledgeable bar staff directed us towards some delicious locally sourced drinks which we took to the fire-side, forgetting about the icy winds blowing outside almost immediately.

After a relaxing evening and an excellent restorative sleep, we started a fresh day in the best possible way with excellent Lord Crewe Arms breakfasts. Then, following a day spent exploring the local villages, we returned to the hotel for an incredibly laid back afternoon spent reading the papers by one of the hotel’s inviting real fires. Sipping cool drinks by the fire-side we really did think we’d perfected the art of relaxation until, that is, we spotted the hotel’s offer of bar snacks including Welsh Rarebit and Rosemary Chips. Feasting upon the best bar snacks that we (or quite possibly anyone) has ever tasted, we realised that these perfectly cooked treats were all we had been missing from our afternoon.

After spending a few happy hours chatting, we dressed for dinner and made our way to the restaurant where Chef Simon Hicks’ simple yet perfectly delivered dishes have been turning heads. We were impressed by the ‘Everyday Menu’ featuring simply cooked home grown or locally sourced foods.

Yes, you’ll find other hotels that have benefited from £1.5 million pound refurbishments and which boast celebrity chefs. However, part of what makes The Lord Crewe Arms so special is not just that the owners have pulled off the difficult task of breathing new life into an old building and bringing fresh talent into the kitchens. It’s the fact that they’ve done all of this and made it look so easy. So, if it’s a perfectly simple solution you’re seeking, we’d recommend this impressive yet unassuming hotel every time.

www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

For more of the places we love, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.