Having become lost walking to the hotel from Newcastle railway station — a map on the hotel’s website would have been helpful — I eventually spotted the immense column and statue of Earl Grey, he of cup-of-tea fame. It stands proudly at the top of Grey Street (once voted the best street in Britain by listeners of Radio 4’s Today programme), yet it was still difficult to find the hotel that bears its name.

The hotel is so discreet that it took three attempts to locate the entrance; I was foiled by the door to the hotel’s basement event rooms and then by a trompe l’oeil doorway.

Opened in December, the Grey Street styles itself as Newcastle’s “first boutique hotel”. However, my first impressions are of a contemporary urban pad. The small reception lounge is filled with chocolate brown sofas, attended by cheery staff in smart uniforms. My inquiry for the location of that Toon pub institution, the Free Trade Inn, drew a blank but the girl at reception helpfully rang a cab company to find out its address.

I entered the bedroom with the afternoon sun pouring through the windows. The airy and modern rooms are fitted with black veneered desks, a white leather ottoman, and a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Plump pillows nestled on the firm double bed. The bathroom was spacious, although unfortunately my room safe didn’t work and neither did one of the main lamps.

Meals are served in The Living Room restaurant next door to the hotel, which also provides 24-hour room service. It is plushly designed with potted palms, dark walls and bold gold-framed paintings. Service again was personable, with the staff chattily efficient. My veal with mushrooms, beans with parmesan, two glasses of wine, cheeses and a glass of port came to £36, and was accompanied by a decent singing pianist.

Breakfast was toast, pastries and a range of jams. I had to pay extra for a cooked breakfast, which as room rates can be £159, seems a little mean. Still, they do serve an excellent pot of Earl Grey.

Bottom line: Shiraz Randeria paid £89 for a double room, B&B.

Need to know: The Grey Street Hotel, 2 Grey Street, Newcastle (0870 4125100, www.greystreethotel.com).

Access all areas: Yes.

Room: 7 out of 10
Food: 6 out of 10
Service: 9 out of 10

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