Vintage delights at Compton House Bed and Breakfast

Inside Compton House Bed and Breakfast at Newark, a log fire is blazing and each one of the rooms is full of stalls selling everything from bespoke pieces of jewellery and vintage clothing to locally-brewed beer and artisan coffee from Stewarts of Trent Bridge. I had gone along to the Vintage Christmas Fair at Compton House, a beautiful Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse close to the centre of Newark. The event was organised by owner Lisa Holloway and her friend Nikki, who runs Lilly’s Vintage Boutique in Harrogate and who has previously stayed as a guest at Compton House. The idea was to create an afternoon full of good old fashioned festive cheer and give visitors the chance to stock up on a few early Christmas presents. We were also treated to cups of tea, delicious homemade cakes and warming mulled wine. “Last year we thought we would try doing a vintage fair and it was really busy,” said Lisa as we enjoyed a cup of tea in the cosy basement dining room. “We wanted it to be old fashioned and it’s been really nice. We wanted people to be able to buy Christmas presents they would not have been able to buy elsewhere.” Money raised from the entry fee will contribute to the restoration of the golden cockerel weather vane at Newark Parish Church. Why not treat yourself to a break in Newark? Compton House is not only a wonderful place to stay but it is also fantastic for exploring the historic market town. You can visit the medieval castle or find out about the area's connection to the English Civil War. Visit our Newark Tourism Centre for more ideas when you are there. More pictures from the Vintage Christmas Fair can be seen on our Vintage Nottinghamshire Pinterest board.