- Newcastle United chiefs meeting at Matfen Hall
- Inside venue’s luxury spa, golf course and restaurants
- Luxury Room costs £780 per night
Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan will lead a 25-strong delegation of officials at a Newcastle United summit in Northumberland this week, taking place at Matfen Hall.
The conference on Wednesday and Thursday is an annual event but comes at a crunch time for the football club. Newcastle are set to miss out on European qualification next season and could even be pulled into a late relegation battle if results do not turn around.
Eddie Howe will be in attendance for part of the conference, with the manager’s future at St James’ Park also up for discussion. Attendees will also spend time talking about an improvement on the stadium and training ground, as well as a shift in transfer strategy.
PIF to hold Newcastle United conference at Matfen Hall
While there will be some reports on what is said in Northumberland, and Howe will no doubt be grilled in his press conference ahead of facing Brighton later this week, it is largely a behind-closed-doors affair for Magpies supporters.
The Athletic reports that the host venue is Matfen Hall. ReadNewcastle looks at the hotel, to ponder at the luxury which may be enjoyed by the bigwig business officials.
The country estate in Northumberland is just 30 minutes away from Newcastle and boasts a ‘state of ultimate opulence’ on its official website. The five-star venue offers ‘refined dining destinations’, as well as a spa and golf course.
Guests can dine at the sophisticated Emerald Restaurant, while the Cloisters Restaurant offers grill and seafood options. There is a stone-oven pizza available at The Keepers in the parkland grounds, which also serves steaks.
Matfen Hall also serves Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room with Laurent-Perrier Champagne on offer. The Vault Bar is a dedicated events space.
Magpies chiefs can enjoy spa and golf amenities in Northumberland
At The Retreat spa, therapists are Germaine de Capuccini-trained and offer everything from facial treatments to full body massages. There’s a swimming pool under a glass roof and thermal suites.
The golf course is a 27-hole championship course and there is also a par 3 course for a quicker outing or introduction to the sport. Matfen Hall also has The Academy with professionals on hand to provide PGA-level golf coaching.
The venue has a history dating back to the 1200s, having been established in the 13th century by Sheriff of Northumberland, Philip de Ulcotes. By the 1900s, Matfen Hall had been converted to a Jacobean-style mansion with a Gothic-style entrance and full-height Great Hall.
In the 20th century, it became a residential nursing home. In 2020, the estate was purchased by the Walwick Estate Group and underwent further refurbishment.
A double room at Matfen Hall tonight would set guests back £350 with prices rising to £445 for a Balcony Room and £525 for a Deluxe Room. A Luxury Room is £780 and a description reads: “These rooms are set in the 19th Century house, with high ceilings, magnificent chandeliers and original ornate cornicing.
“Stay in a luxury room and enjoy uninterrupted views of our beautiful surroundings, from the 300-acre parkland and the manicured lawns of Le Jardin Hollandaise, to the grand, original entrance.
“Featuring Emperor beds with 300 thread count Egyptian Cotton Sateen to ensure you have the most comfortable sleep, and bathrooms accessorised with Carrara marble, roll-top baths, separate showers and underfloor heating. Generous seating areas, with furnishings provided by local craftsmen allow you to relax in the comfort of privacy.”
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