Latest News from Matfen Hall Hotel

Matfen Hall is a Most Considerate Hotel!

Last month at an awards lunch in London, Matfen Hall near Newcastle upon Tyne, became the UK's "Most Considerate Hotel of the Year - Independent" in the Considerate and Environmentally Responsible Hotel of the Year Awards.

To win this award Matfen Hall had to demonstrate to the Considerate Hotelier Association that their hotel was an outstanding community player, making a significant contribution to their community, local environment and to the overall image of the location in which it is based. The Considerate Hotelier purpose is to protect and improve the environmental quality of life locally and globally. In completing a detailed entry form and grueling judging process Matfen Hall showed that they achieve this.

The Association said that: "Matfen Hall is a perfect example of dedication by the owners Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett that triumphed over adversity to turn a decaying architectural masterpiece into a temple of fine taste and high standards. However, they were not content to stop there, and have ensured that the surrounding environment and local community have and will continue to benefit from their consideration and toils for many generations to come. " Commenting further John Firrell Honorary Secretary of the Association and one of the judges who stayed at the hotel, said that: "Matfen Hall embodies all the qualities we look for in a Considerate Hotel. It goes outside the traditional areas of service and comfort. Careful thought and sensitive thinking has been applied both in the restoration and development of Matfen Hall, and in the day to day management by David Hunter and his team. "

Matfen Hall On receiving his award Mr David Hunter, Director and General Manager of Matfen Hall said: "The entire team are absolutely delighted as this award endorses the extra effort that we put into environmental issues, working with our community and identifying partnerships with local and regional producers and suppliers for the long term sustainability of the area." The 53 bedroomed Matfen Hall is committed to safeguarding the environment and providing a service that complements rather than deteriorates the world in which we live.

The estate is farmed organically and flora and fauna are encouraged in a variety of methods including nut hatches and bird boxes around the hall and golf course and efforts to preserve a local colony of red squirrels. The gardens have been lovingly restored and head gardener John Douglas oversees the day to day maintenance of these magnificent facilities. Whilst the owners are actively involved in the life of Matfen Hall, they have vested the day to day management with Director and General Manager David Hunter. The staff are encouraged to contribute to life in and around the estate.

There are strong links with the local cricket club, schools and colleges and a local cancer charity has been adopted by staff. Both owners and senior management are involved with promoting the North East as a destination and insist on use of local produce and support of regional businesses. They recycle and re-use wherever possible and have installed energy conserving equipment and measures throughout the estate.

The Considerate Hoteliers Association began in central London in 1990 and membership is open to hotels and guesthouses nationwide, of all sizes and grades, which commit and conform to the Association's Mission Statement and Environment Charter Policy.