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A roaring fire lapped the air as the night sky darkened outside of the tipi, revealing what we had come all the way up the A1 to see.
Stars.
My partner and I had driven from County Durham to the edge of Alnwick after being invited to try a new stargazing experience at Charlton Hall, which is a 150-acre hotel, restaurant and wedding venue a stone's throw from the A1 near Chathill.
While there, the stars had us relaxed, but the food had us hooked.
On arrival, we were presented with welcome drinks and headed into the Alice in Wonderland themed bar to sample our cocktails as we waited for our lodge to be turned around. These drinks were very nice, and a lovely surprise.
Welcome drinks.
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Into the lodge we trundled after making the most of our free tipple, wondering what sort of package would be awaiting us when we got there. Inside the lodge, we saw quite a homely set up - a big TV with plenty of wooden-framed furniture and comfy looking armchairs and couches.
The lodge had a homely feel.
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As our package for the stargazing was yet to arrive, we decided to head to check out the restaurant and have our evening meal.
The lodge had a homely feel.
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The Tempus' restaurant has a wonderful terrace, but it was a bit too chilly to sit there so we sat inside. The waiting staff were very attentive and we were soon perusing the wine list - which I deffered to my partner on as she knows her stuff better than I on that front.
We had a bread starter which was perfectly warm and crispy with some nice flavoured butters.
I ordered the fish and chips with curry sauce as I was feeling a bit nostalgic and wanted something a bit more familiar flavour-wise, while my partner opted for the wild garlic gnocchi (I know, fancy) and we shared a patatas bravas-style potato side.
The portion size was deceptive for my main. What looked a skinny fish was in fact rather large once I got my fork into it and, with the additions of tartare and curry sauces, was a beautiful barrage of nostalgia - just what I had been looking for.
Fish and chips.
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Crispy batter. Flaky fish. Chips with fluff and crunch in equal measure. All got ticks from me.
Wild garlic gnocchi.
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The gnocchi was also a success and the spanish-style potatoes were a standout, with delightful charred and crisped chorizo chunks melting into the crisped edges of the potato itself and rounded together with soured cream.
Spicy patatas bravas style side.
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And a shoutout has to be given to the playlist which kept us uttering the word 'tune' to each other in the gaps between bites of our meals which weren't already taken up with a 'wow this is good'.
Noticing there was a tent with some more drinks after our meal we went to see what was happening.
A fire pit inside a tipi was where we went to while collecting our thoughts after a meal.
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There was live music accompanied by fire pits and a bar. It was a great go-between to wind down after a potato-heavy meal.
We were given hot chocolate, a map of the skies, a blanket, a laser and had access to a hot tub to sit in and gaze at the stars.
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Then to the main event.
The hot tub provided the evening's entertainment - 'starbathing'.
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Back to the lodge to get the kettle on and fill some camping mugs with hot chocolate before getting in the hot tub to gaze at the stars, with help from our map.
And so we ended the day staring into space with the relaxation of hot tub jets whirring beneath our feet.
While the clouds covered more than we bargained for, it was still a lovely way to spend a night - especially after such a good meal.
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Address: The Tempus, Charlton Hall Estate, Chathill NE67 5DZ
Contact: 01665 579173
Ratings (out of ten):
- Food quality 9
- Surroundings 10
- Value for money 7
- Service 9