MIDDLESBROUGH
Relaxing – Sporting Lodge Inns is set in its own grounds .
Hidden gem
Introducing a star of Teesside ’ s hotel offerings
Sporting Lodge Inns is a hidden gem of an escape nestled in leafy Stainton
WORDS : SARAH DALE PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
Take a step outside the Sporting Lodge Inns in Stainton and you are surrounded by open countryside .
It is a calm and relaxing setting for a venue that can ramp up the excitement for your special occasion or dial it down at its popular leisure facilities .
On the outskirts of Middlesbrough , it is five minutes ’ drive away from the centre of the town . It is set in its own grounds and surrounded by trees and fields .
The hotel has free off-road parking and is close to the A19 and A174 , so it is an ideal spot for exploring further afield , whether you want to venture out to the coast or countryside , one of the region ’ s bustling towns or head for a business meeting .
The independent hotel has its own restaurant and bar , The Old Poste House , 140 contemporary ensuite bedrooms with comfortable beds and free wifi , and a gym and spa facilities in Escape Zone .
Escape Zone features a large , fully equipped , state-of-the-art gym , a 25-metre swimming pool , sauna , steam room and spa pool , perfect to keep on top of your gym regime or take some well-earned relaxation
Fitness – Escape Zone boasts gym and spa facilities .
Modern – one of the hotel ’ s 140 contemporary ensuite bedrooms .
time . It is a popular leisure facility that has nearly 2,000 members and is free to use for any guests staying at the hotel .
The Old Poste House boasts a popular seasonal menu featuring an à la carte menu and daily specials .
The menu , which takes you " around the world on a plate ", includes tasty British classics including Teesside ’ s signature dish , the popular parmo , and beer battered cod and hand cut chips , as well as firm favourites from Italy , Asia and America . Diners can tailor their meals to their individual tastes by creating their own pizza , rice noodle bowl or curry . And for sweet-toothed guests looking for a delicious dessert , the choices include a chocolate fudge sundae , sticky toffee pudding and homemade tiramisu , to name a few .
The restaurant hosts themed food nights including Mam-made Monday , Taco Tuesday , Wok Wednesday , Tapas Thursday , Pieday Friday and its popular Sunday carvery .
As the name would suggest , the venue is big on sport and has a large screen television in the bar featuring all the big matches and sports events .
To complement the indoor soft play area in the restaurant and bar for younger visitors , the hotel has recently invested in a new outdoor play area .
The new play area includes a wooden climbing frame , swings , fire pole and monkey bars – perfect for the children to let off a bit of steam .
In the bar , there is a range of new drinks on offer including different brands of beer and a new cocktail machine to create strawberry daiquiris , espresso martinis and passion fruit martinis .
The hotel is a popular venue for special occasions such as awards evenings , weddings and other family events . There are three different-sized function rooms : The Yarm is a first-floor room with natural daylight , perfect for small business meetings and get-togethers of up to 25 people , while the Roseberry caters for 60 people . The Maltby is the venue ’ s largest event room . It is easily accessible from the hotel ’ s ground floor and ideal for conferences , weddings or fully catered celebrations for up to 180 people .
Sporting Lodge Inns ’ wedding packages include the cake , venue , DJ , décor , dancefloor and food and if you need anything , the events team will ensure everything goes smoothly for your big day .
A white starlit dancefloor and room lighting are included with all wedding packages , while food options include traditional sit-down meals , buffets , barbecues and hog roasts . The bridal suite room is complimentary for the night of the wedding , with breakfast included .
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