Cliffemount Hotel
There are not many places in the country where you can get views from your bedroom like those at the Cliffemount Hotel in Runswick Bay. There is something special about waking up to nothing but the sound of lapping waves and seagulls on a morning- and that is exactly what you get here.
The hotel is nestled in the small village of Runswick, which is predominantly residential, so you can guarantee a peaceful stay.
We were greeted by Mark, who showed us to our rooms and confirmed breakfast times and our evening meal booking. He assured us that if we needed anything we just had to ask.
Cliffemount is run by husband and wife team Ian and Carole who have spent ten years at the hotel now. A very genuine couple when they talk about their business; they clearly both have a passion for the establishment and providing the best possible food and experience for their residents. We enjoyed talking with them before our evening meal and I would stress if you do stay, the importance of getting to know your hosts, for they have a great sense of humour and some interesting tales to tell!
Just 5 miles away from Whitby, you can catch a bus for less than it would cost for parking and have a drink while you are there! Or if you love the great outdoors, there are some scenic coastal walks to get you to the nearby town. It is also a convenient place to stop on the popular walking trail The Cleveland Way.
I was lucky enough to stay in a superior premier room, which had an en suite, a private balcony and a flat screen TV. The room also boasted tea and coffee making facilities, fluffy white bathrobes and towels, a bottle water and Kilner jar of biscuits so there is everything you need to see you through your stay.
The rooms for me are reminiscent of a boutique hotel that you would find in the middle of a city or town, however without the noise from outside and the stunning views of the ocean. For me it captured the best of both worlds.
Since the introduction of the new route on the railway line, there are considerably more people in Whitby, so this hotel offers an escape after a day among the crowds.
The chefs, Ian and David will only settle for good quality, locally sourced, fresh food and so the menu in the restaurant is constantly subject to change.
Our evening meal was booked for 6pm, which gave us time to chat and savour the delicious food that was on offer. I would suggest leaving your room half an hour before your meal to sit outside with a drink from the bar and take in the views.
We began with some warm Artisan bread with butter to line our tummies and for someone who hasn’t eaten carbs for a while- it was pure heaven!
For starters we enjoyed Seaweed Crumbed Plaice Goujons, Wild Garlic Tartare Sauce and Ballantine of Duck, Charred Pineapple, Duck Sausage, Ruby Peach Gel.
For our main course we had the Halibut with Seasonal Vegetables and Pork Loin, with Apple Sauce, Braised Red Cabbage and Black Pudding Croquettes.
And dessert- we indulged in Rich Chocolate Marquise Pistachio Mousse, Poached Griottine Cherries and Yorkshire Triangle Rhubarb Crumble & Custard.
The food was not only perfectly cooked and seasoned- my Mum said ‘you can taste the sea it’s so fresh!’, but it looked very impressive on the plate too with obvious thought and creative flair that had gone into each dish.
Breakfast was buffet style for juice, cereals, fruit and yoghurt. Tea and coffee and cooked meals were brought to our table by Anna and Chris. We all enjoyed the Salmon and Scrambled Eggs. The eggs, which were bought from a farm only a few miles down the road were very tasty indeed and set us up for the day.
Overall, I think the hotel has the perfect balance. It is away from the noise that you would have to endure if you were saying in the heart of Whitby town, with good connections to get there and back at a reasonable cost. The rooms are spacious, with beautiful views and offer everything you need to be comfortable. The food is well deserving of its 2 AA Rosettes- it is all beautifully presented and unique to the chefs at the hotel. For me, the aspect that made it most memorable was how honest and approachable the staff were.
Cliffemount Hotel ticked all the boxes for me- a big thanks to Ian, Carole, Anna, Chris, Gary and David for a lovely stay!