I was driving home from Newcastle and found the A1 southbound shut, it was late, I was tired and despite my son at home confirming online the Travelodge had spare rooms we were turned away with the comments "the computer says no". Just up the road we pulled into the Vintage Hotel and found that nothing was too much trouble. A very welcoming greeting, allowed to look at the room before booking and then a request "was it possible to get some food?" was greeted with a very positive "of course you can". At 10.30pm we didn't expect much, but our expecations were exceeded with a lovely meal.

A few drinks watching tv in the lounge and then bed. A family room with two singles and a camp bed if needed. The room was cold but the heater was put on and it was a comfortable night's sleep.

Its been a long time since I found service in a hotel that good and it was surprising as well as refreshing. Nothing was too much trouble and a basket of... more