The Hollies - Nottinghamshire

The Hollies, 41, Victoria Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4UU
+44 (0)1636 676 533
www.stokeplace.co.uk
Review by Nigel Duncan

So often, places you book don’t live up to expectation. Well, staying at the The Hollies exceeded mine.

My overnight stay was a joy and Pamela Ball’s bed and breakfast hospitality is every bit as good as her stylish website indicates.

The spotlessly clean Hollies offers a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the heart of Newark, a pleasant market down in Nottinghamshire.

It is close to the Sconce and Devon Park and a short walk from the town’s well-appointed marina on the River Trent.

And it is also a short stroll from the town centre and cobbled market place.

The boutique-style B&B is situated in an imposing former Georgian townhouse on a corner site. It has been refurbished to a superbly high standard.

My room was bright, the bed ultra-comfortable with big supporting pillows, and the well-appointed, ensuite bathroom had wonderfully fluffy towels and a brilliant shower.

All rooms have flat screen TV with Freeview and DVD. Pamela took over three years ago and her aim is to provide stylish and contemporary guest accommodation in which to relax. I did.

Her lounge is open to guests and the accommodation is at the luxury end of the market but at a fair price.

Breakfast was scrumptious. Here the choice ranges from full English to specially-cooked dishes. I plumped for salmon and poached eggs. It was superb so was Pamela’s kitchen.

Internet access, imperative for the business traveller, was free and it was no surprise when I was informed that The Hollies has been awarded 4* Silver Award for High Class Accommodation and Customer Service.

Pamela is busy. I left on the Friday and she was fully booked over the weekend. Word-of-mouth since she took over has worked. I was recommended by a former colleague. She was spot on.

Repeat business also forms part of her clientele. It is easy to see why.
She is also innovative and has introduced a Christmas Cultural mini break with a mix of art workshops with renowned local artist, Nikki McKay, in her studio and trips to art galleries.

Further workshops are being planned for the Spring.

So, if you are in the area for business and pleasure then The Hollies could be the stop-over point for you. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.