Northumberland’s newest inn has opened its doors for business, bringing with it all day food, 40 bedrooms as well as creating over 50 jobs in the Blyth area.
The £4.5m pub with rooms on Blyth’s redeveloped Quayside welcomed in crowds of people, gathered to try out the inn’s facilities.
One of the first through the doors was Blyth resident Michelle Gregory who said: “It’s absolutely stunning. We live nearby and have watched the inn being built and couldn’t wait to come and try it. It’s amazing and just what Blyth has been waiting for. We had the most fantastic food – all home cooked and scrumptious drinks in stunning surroundings and it’s all on the doorstep. We’ll be back soon.”
Located at the heart of the town’s redeveloped Quayside, The Commissioner’s Quay Inn was purpose built by Northumberland County Council’s economic development company Arch and is operated by award-winning leisure business, The Inn Collection Group.
Boasting 40 bedrooms across four floors – many of which have stunning views out to sea – The Commissioners Quay Inn is in pole position when the Tall Ships Race comes to Blyth in August, as well as providing year-round quality and affordable accommodation.
A well-stocked bar and large dining area where people can enjoy homemade meals from breakfast until 9pm, plus an outdoor dining terrace alongside the River Blyth are among the key elements of this stunning new inn.
Keith Liddell, CEO of the group said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new unit. It is everything we imagined it to be and seeing it come to life with so many people here enjoying the finished product is incredibly rewarding.
“We’re bringing the same approach in Blyth as we have to the other sites in our portfolio which is great-tasting food, a relaxed, laid back ambiance to eat and drink in and excellent value, contemporary accommodation.
“Our other inns have proved hugely popular within the local communities they operate as well as being an important facility attracting visitors to stay and explore the local area from. This is our vision for The Commissioner’s Quay Inn – a place where everyone is welcome, whether you’re dropping by for a drink, a meal or staying overnight.”
The Commissioners Quay Inn was officially opened by Mr Liddell with Arch chairman and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Dave Ledger and leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Grant Davey.
Cllr Dave Ledger said: “The Commissioner’s Quay Inn is a fantastic, purpose-built venue of the type Blyth has been crying out for.
“It sits perfectly with the redeveloped waterfront and we’re confident it will be a real asset for the town that local people and visitors alike will enjoy.”
The Commissioner’s Quay Inn was built as the jewel in the crown of the waterfront at Blyth and has created a fantastic venue for people to enjoy home made food and drinks including local real ales and speciality teas and coffees as well as providing a much-needed bed and breakfast accommodation facility for tourists and corporate visitors to Blyth.
Over 50 jobs have been created with the opening of the new inn. Hospitality specialist
Catherine Bellhouse, who has worked with the Hilton Group and the Copthorne Hotel in Gateshead, is general manager of the venue.
She said: “I’m aiming to put The Commissioner’s Quay Inn on the map for the quality of its customer service.
“Giving people a truly great experience, whether they are staying, eating or enjoying a drink in the bar, is at the top of my agenda.”
The inn will be open 365 days a year, providing comfortable, good value accommodation, and serving food and drink throughout the day from first thing in the morning until 9pm.
The expanding Inn Collection Group, a finalist in the prestigious Publican Awards Best Accommodation Operator category and the current Northumberland Business Awards Best Leisure Business, is the biggest private bedroom provider in Northumberland with more than 200 bedrooms across its North East estate.
Its portfolio in Northumberland includes North East Tourism Pub of the Year, The Bamburgh Castle Inn in Seahouses, The Lindisfarne Inn at Beal and The Hog’s Head Inn at Alnwick. The group also operates The Seaton Lane Inn near Sunderland, The King’s Head Inn at Newton under Roseberry and the newly acquired The Kingslodge Inn in Durham.