Eclectic apartment above a cocktail bar – free cocktail on weekends

Birdella`s is a quirky, character-filled apartment set over two levels on the high street of Castle Donington, a charming village in the heart of the East Midlands sitting on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border. Sleeping up to two guests across one bedroom, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers bold, eclectic interiors, a cosy indoor fireplace, and a stay experience that is genuinely unlike anything else in the area. Situated directly above a weekend cocktail bar, guests staying on Friday or Saturday evenings receive a complimentary cocktail of their choice from the bar menu — a wonderful perk that perfectly captures the spirit of this distinctive property.

What makes Birdella`s the standout choice in the area is its rare combination of individual personality, high street convenience, and exceptional location. Bars, restaurants, and independent eateries are on the doorstep. Donington Park racing circuit is just a short drive away. East Midlands Airport is approximately five minutes by car. Whether you are visiting for a race weekend, the Download rock festival, a pre-flight stay, or simply a short break in an area rich in character, Birdella`s offers a base that is as memorable as the destination itself.


At a Glance

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedrooms: 1 with a double bed
• Bathrooms: 1
• Location: Castle Donington high street, East Midlands
• Outdoor space: Rear outdoor area with artificial grass and outdoor dining furniture (note: connected to the cocktail bar below on weekend evenings)
• Self check-in via smart-lock for flexible, keyless arrival
• Bed linen and towels provided
• Street parking available on and around Borough Street
• Friday and Saturday guests receive a complimentary cocktail of their choice from the bar menu below
• Dedicated workspace available


A Home to Relax and Unwind

Step inside Birdella`s and the apartment makes its impression immediately. This is not a standard holiday let. Every corner of the space has been considered with personality in mind, from the bold black and white striped corner sofa and patterned geometric rug on warm wooden flooring, to the large ornate mirror, the statement floor lamp, and the striking checkered tile splashback in the kitchenette. The indoor fireplace is the centrepiece of the living space and creates a genuinely cosy atmosphere for evenings in, while room-darkening blinds ensure a restful night regardless of what time the village outside falls quiet.

The layout across two levels gives the property a sense of separation between the social spaces below and the sleeping space above, making it feel surprisingly considered for a compact apartment. Whether you are unwinding beside the fire after a day at the circuit, enjoying a drink from the bar downstairs before heading out for dinner, or simply making the most of a weekend away in the East Midlands, Birdella`s offers the kind of stay that guests tend to remember long after they leave.


The Layout

Birdella`s is arranged over two levels, with the open-plan living area and kitchenette on the lower floor and the bedroom situated above, accessed via a staircase with a black metal balustrade railing. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV is positioned at the staircase landing level, making the most of this compact and well-considered layout.

Living area
The living space is bold, warm, and full of character. A striking black and white striped corner sofa is the focal point of the room, positioned on warm wooden flooring alongside a patterned geometric rug. A large ornate mirror hangs on the wall and a statement floor lamp adds further personality to the space. The indoor fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere for cooler evenings, and room-darkening blinds are fitted throughout to support a comfortable rest. A dedicated workspace is available for guests who need to work during their stay, and a sound system is also provided. The open layout means the kitchenette is clearly visible from the living space, with its distinctive checkered tile splashback adding another design detail to the room.

Kitchenette
The kitchenette is well equipped for self-catering and is neatly integrated into the lower level of the apartment. Appliances include a microwave, a mini fridge, a freezer, a toaster, and a hot water kettle. Dishes, silverware, wine glasses, cooking basics, and cleaning products are all provided. Kitchen consumables including tea and coffee are also supplied, making arrival easy and straightforward.

Bedroom
The bedroom is located on the upper level of the apartment and has a genuinely characterful feel. An ornate cream-painted carved bedframe is dressed with cream bedding and sits on dark wooden flooring beneath an angled ceiling that adds warmth and intimacy to the room. A window with cream curtains and a bedside unit complete the space, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV is provided. Extra pillows and blankets are available.

Bathroom
The bathroom features a curved quadrant shower enclosure with dark mosaic tiles and a black-framed glass door, giving the space a sleek, considered finish. A dark grey vanity unit with basin, a white toilet, an oval mirror, and a heated towel rail complete the room. Toiletries are provided including body soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. A hair dryer is also available.

Outdoor space
The property has access to a rear outdoor area featuring a section of artificial grass, outdoor dining furniture, a wooden slatted screen, and metal external stairs. Please note that this outdoor space is connected to the cocktail bar situated below the apartment, which operates on Friday and Saturday evenings. On those evenings the bar area has its own atmosphere with string lights overhead and a sociable, relaxed crowd gathered in the courtyard.


Location

Castle Donington is a characterful and well-connected village sitting on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border in the heart of the East Midlands. Borough Street, the high street on which Birdella`s is located, offers a strong range of dining and drinking options within easy walking distance, including Indian and Italian restaurants, traditional fish and chip shops, and independent eateries. The village has a warm and sociable atmosphere, particularly at weekends, and everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay is right on the doorstep.

For those visiting the area for motorsport, Donington Park racing circuit is approximately six minutes by car, covering around three miles from the property. The circuit is also home to the Download rock festival, one of the most prominent music events in the United Kingdom`s annual calendar. East Midlands Airport is approximately five minutes by car or eight minutes by bus using the Kinchbus or Trent Barton services from Castle Donington Bus Station, making Birdella`s an outstanding option for those with an early departure or late arrival. Nottingham city centre is approximately twenty minutes by car or forty-four minutes by bus using the Trent Barton service from Castle Donington Bus Station. Derby city centre is approximately twenty minutes by car.

The wider Derbyshire countryside and its heritage are also accessible within a short drive, with rolling landscapes and historic sites well worth exploring if time allows.

Free street parking is available on and around Borough Street for guests arriving by car.


House Rules

• No smoking anywhere on the property
• No pets
• No parties or events
• Check-in is from 14:00
• Check-out is by 11:00

Please note: the apartment is situated directly above a weekend cocktail bar that hosts live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests staying on these nights should expect some noise from the bar below, particularly during the evening. This is part of the character of the property and is noted transparently so guests can plan accordingly. As a Friday or Saturday guest, you will also receive a complimentary cocktail of your choice from the bar menu.


Extra Charges

The following optional extras are available to make your stay more flexible:
• Early check-in (subject to availability): £20
• Late check-out (subject to availability): £20
• Cleaning fee: £25 per stay


Booking Policy

Full payment is due 30 days before arrival and will be automatically charged to the card on file. If payment fails, it must be completed within 24 hours or the booking will be cancelled. Early payment is allowed; card fees up to 3 percent are non-refundable if cancelled.

Guests are not required to pay a damage deposit in advance. However, we reserve the right to charge up to two hundred pounds per stay to the card on file in the event of any damage.


Cancellation Policy

Full refund if cancelled 30 or more days before arrival. Fifty percent refund if cancelled fourteen to thirty days before arrival. No refund if cancelled within fourteen days of arrival.


We hope the details above give you a great sense of what to expect from your stay at Birdella`s. If you have any questions before or after booking, please do not hesitate to get in touch — we respond quickly and will do everything we can to make sure your stay runs smoothly from start to finish. We very much look forward to welcoming you.
No smoking anywhere on the property.
No pets.
No parties or events.