How lucky were we ?

Continuing the story about visiting Newcastle, we were keen to stay in a hotel in the City Centre where we could get about conveniently. My son-in-law picked a hotel through the internet. When he told us that he had booked us – me and my nephew – to ‘The Lucky Hotel’, we weren’t sure whether he got carried away by its name. It was described as “an award-winning, first class establishment, offering a luminous mix of old and new” in the City Guide.

With Hunter Street, one of the main roads where the hotel was situated being closed for traffic (a light rail track is being laid along the street), we walked on its pavement from the railway station passing shops and restaurants offering numerous cuisines from Indian to Mexican food. We noticed a small name board of our hotel. We then looked for an impressive entrance but only saw a small door to enter the hotel. 

Instead of an imposing reception area with several receptionists, as we entered we were greeted by a female who was standing near a desk. She asked our names, checked the computer and gave us two keys for a room in the second floor wishing us a good stay.

We passed the corridor with rooms on either side with the outside wall being adorned with large photographs depicting Newcastle in the old days. Opposite our room on the wall was a huge patch of several types of old timber with a well-used trumpet fixed on to it. Soon we were to realise that ruggedness and informality were main features of the hotel.As we went down for lunch we passed the bar and walked out into an open-air area where tables were placed – in total contrast to any first-class hotel we have got used to visualise. The rough brick wall had lot of greenery creating an eco-friendly environment. We went up to the kitchen desk and ordered lunch. There was only one female to serve the food. She was quite efficient in her job.

As we walked out of the hotel after a rest we noticed the reception desk vacant with a notice on the table which we found to be quite interesting. It said: ‘If reception is unattended, please proceed to the bar. Thank you.’Looking round we saw a whole heap of old suitcases stacked on top and bottom of the reception area. Yet another unusual feature for a top-class hotel. Fascinating, we thought.

On the right was a closed door with a warning for those under 18. “Persons under the age of 18 years must be with a responsible adult in this area by law”. It was the entrance to the bar.

In memory of the soldiers

It was a pleasant walk with less traffic on the roads as compared with other busy cities although it was just after office hours. 

As in other cities, war memorials are a common sight. Down one street there was a fountain with a statue of a soldier. The plaque below the soldier was titled ‘Roll of Honour’. It stated that the fountain was presented by Commander Frank Gardner RVD in memory of “the officers and men of Newcastle who gave their lives to uphold the honour of the British Empire”. 

The building behind the fountain dating back to several decades now houses the Art Gallery. 

A little further away was a small park where there was a memorial in memory of “all gallant mariners lost in time of war”. An anchor was the symbol used on the memorial.

Back after a good walk we enjoyed a nice dinner at the open-air dining area.