Hotel Review
The Midland Hotel is an iconic 1930’s hotel and a classic example of Art-Deco architecture with its graceful curved lines designed to reflect the sweep of Morecambe Bay.
This modernist masterpiece was built opposite the former Morecambe Promenade railway station and more recently has undergone extensive renovations to return it to its former glory. Celebrity guests who have frequented the hotel include Sir Winston Churchill, Noel Coward and Laurence Olivier and it was a thrill to be following in their footsteps. Fans of the ITV drama ‘The Bay’ may recognise the hotel as it features in some of the episodes as the series is set and filmed in the coastal town of Morecambe.
Location:
Morecambe is located in Lancashire, north west England and can easily be reached from all parts of the country being just a short drive from Junction 34 of the M6 motorway. For guests arriving by train there are regular West Coast mainline services to Lancaster between London and Scotland with frequent local connecting services to Morecambe.
Arrival and check-in:
Driving along the seafront, the gleaming white hotel can be seen from afar. There is a large car park to the rear of the hotel where guests can leave vehicles for the duration of their stay and although it was a weekend, we had no problems finding a space.
Stepping indoors, the vast open-plan lobby combines original Art-Deco designs with sleek modern features. The reception desk stands to one side of the entrance hall where we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who had us checked in speedily and a few minutes later were taking the lift up to our room on the first floor.
The Room:
On leaving the lift, gently curving red carpeted corridors lead to the well appointed rooms which have either sea or town views. Our sea view room definitely had the wow factor with its contemporary styled decor contrasting beautifully with tasteful nods to the 1930’s.
The spacious room was decorated in grey with two wonderfully comfortable matching armchairs to put our feet up on and relax after a day exploring. Adding a splash of colour were a pair of red cushions on the king size bed and a matching desk chair.
Floor to ceiling windows opened out onto a furnished balcony taking in the dramatic, uninterrupted views of Morecambe Bay and with only a footpath to separate the hotel from the beach, it was perfectly quiet without traffic noise.
Wooden fitted cupboard doors opened to reveal a television, hospitality tray and fridge whilst behind this arrangement there were surprises in store with a sleek, modernist bathroom complete with a state of the art shower cubicle, Noir toiletries and a concealed toilet.
Dining:
Dinner is served in the hotel’s Sun Terrace restaurant which runs almost all the way along the front of the building with its floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea. The restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal dishes such as Morecambe Bay potted shrimps with meat obtained from nearby farms. Seated at one of the window tables with its starched white tablecloth and napkins we enjoyed good food with a sunset to match.
We opted for fish starters and both our pan fried mackerel and cured sea trout tasted fresh and flavoursome. For mains we couldn’t resist the specials board choice of roast beef which was served medium rare just to our liking and tasted very tender with its meat jus and accompanying vegetables. For once, we declined a dessert as we seemed to have been eating more than usual during the day.
Breakfast is also served in the Sun Terrace restaurant and we managed to get one of the last window tables when we came down at 8.30 a.m. so there must have been a lot of early risers on that Sunday morning at the hotel. Rather than a continental buffet selection, diners select what they would like from the menu and my bowl of fresh fruit served with Lakeland yoghurt was very refreshing.
We opted for smashed avocados with poached eggs on sourdough and a traditional cooked breakfast for our hot dishes which were both cooked to perfection. After completing our meal with toast, preserves and cups of freshly brewed coffee, we were then ready to embark on the day ahead.
The Facilities:
The three storey curved building boasts a magnificent cantilevered spiral staircase with a collection of original Art-Deco friezes on each landing. I suggest taking the lift to the top floor and walking down to experience the splendid architecture from varying angles.
Rotunda Bar: is sophisticated and eye catching with its fuchsia pink and red leather alcove seating. A great place for a drink and to watch bartenders mixing cocktails under its fabulous glass chandelier. There’s also a second, long bar leading off from the open plan lobby which features high wood stools around a central bar.
Afternoon Tea: The Sun Terrace restaurant is definitely the place to be to enjoy one of The Midland’s delicious afternoon teas which are extremely popular so booking is essential.
Out and About:
Morecambe
The Tern Trail: this seafront trail along the promenade and stone jetty celebrates the local bird life through a series of sculptures and artwork. The sculptures comprise steel cormorants, gannets and razorbills who are all frequent visitors to the bay.
Eric Morecambe Statue: located further along the promenade is the larger than life statue to one half of the most successful comedy double acts of all time, Morecambe and Wise. Eric Bartholomew was born in the town and used Morecambe as his stage name in recognition of his love for the seaside resort.
Winter Gardens Theatre: take a behind the scenes guided tour (available at weekends) of this historic theatre which opened as a music hall in 1897 and in its heyday comprised a theatre, ballroom, restaurants and a garden to the rear.
This interesting tour covers the history of the Victorian theatre exploring its original features including the original wooden ticket booths and mosaic floor in the entrance foyer.
Slightly further afield:
Arnside: a picturesque village situated 17 miles to the north of Morecambe. It’s a beautiful and tranquil spot and recognised as a designated area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Enjoy a walk along the coast to the neighbouring small town of Silverdale.
RSPB Leighton Moss: located just outside Silverdale with the reserve’s coastal marshes attracting flocks of waders including avocets, oystercatchers and curlews. Follow trails along paths and boardwalks that pass through reed beds to the reserve’s hides which overlook the marshes.
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre: famous for being where parts of the 1945 epic film Brief Encounter starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard were filmed. Stroll along Platform One and explore the various exhibition spaces. These cover the age of steam, wartime Carnforth, and the film’s director David Lean.
Heysham: a quaint village overlooking Morecambe Bay with a ferry connection to the Isle of Man. Wander through the village and along the cliff top to a craggy outcrop which is home to the ruins of St. Patrick’s Chapel. This ancient monument is thought to date back to the Stone Age and is one of the oldest surviving religious buildings in the north west of England.
Overall:
The glamorous Grade II listed Midland Hotel boasts 44 tasteful rooms and if you feel like splashing the cash for a special occasion there are also six rooftop suites with huge balconies and hot tubs up for grabs. We adored everything about our stay at the hotel so much so we would return in a heartbeat. There’s nowhere quite like it and if you’re a lover of Art-Deco, good food and the seaside, it’s definitely the place to stay.
Details: The Midland Hotel, Marine Road West, Morecambe, LS4 4BU.
During our stay we were guests of Visit Lancaster and the Inn Collection Group and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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