"We enjoyed a fantastic stay in the elegantly spacious, and tastefully appointed ‘Alfred Arthur Forman’ Penthouse Suite in the Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry.
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Featured in Ireland’s Blue Book, this beautifully restored Edwardian building is a unique and luxurious base right in the heart of the city. With thirty-one guestrooms, two suites and self-contained apartments, each room at Bishop’s Gate Hotel is a delight.
Our penthouse suite was the last word in charm and character, reflecting the heritage and style of Forman, the architect who remodelled the building at the turn of the last century, and was renowned for his quirky attention to detail.
With its superb cityscape views of the Guildhall and Peace Bridge, a spacious living and dining room with a classical fireplace, tasteful furnishings and attention to detail, (the vintage style telephones were a nice touch), and a separate bedroom with an incredibly comfortable King Size Bed, this was a beautiful suite.
The Designer Bathroom had a bath, a walk-in Monsoon Shower, and our favourite toiletries by Rituals were also provided. The room also included Luxury Robes and Slippers, and complimentary access to the Fitness Room.
The hotel is also home to the excellent Gown Restaurant showcasing seasonally inspired dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, the Wig Champagne Bar with its theatrically unique legal-themed décor, and The Northern Counties Ballroom which combines period grandeur with modern design, creating the perfect backdrop for any large scale event, with space for up to ninety guests.
The hotel blends the contemporary and traditional seamlessly, and is perfectly situated for exploring all that the historic walled city has to offer.
LUNCH
Bishop’s Gate Hotel-The Gown Restaurant.
The beautifully restored Edwardian Bishop’s Gate Hotel is home to the excellent Gown Restaurant, renowned for showcasing seasonally inspired dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
The Gown has an elegantly charming interior, with its sage green wall panelling and original architectural features, and we enjoyed a terrific Sunday lunch, from the set menu.
To start, the Chicken & Bacon Caesar Salad with Baby Gem Leaves, Parmesan Shavings, & Croutons was light and refreshing, and the golden Greencastle Catch Fishcake was served with a Smoked Salmon Salad & Chunky Tartar Sauce.
Our main courses were a moist Pan Seared Fillet of Salmon with Pea Puree & Buttered Greens, and a superb vegetarian dish of Potato Gnocchi in a Mushroom & Spinach Cream.
To finish, we shared a luxurious Vanilla & Raspberry Pannacotta with Chantilly cream and fresh berries.
Our meal was accompanied by a glass each of Jack Francis "Gloaming Rime" Gruner Veltliner, and "Fairy Rust" Sankt Laurent Zweigelt, wonderful organic wines crafted in Austria by local wine maker Jack McAteer.
And why not relax in the Wig Champagne Bar with its theatrically unique legal-themed décor, for a cocktail or two: the Negroni & Old Fashioned were both top notch.
Sunday Lunch at The Gown is available from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM."