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Scottish Sun
06-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
The historic English country estate which is now a hotel with private spa and grand bedrooms
There is even a spa and swimming pool on-site FANCY THAT The historic English country estate which is now a hotel with private spa and grand bedrooms MIDDLETHORPE Hall is arguably one of the hidden gems in the Yorkshire countryside, but still with a taste of the city not too far away. Here's everything you need to know - from room rates to dining options at the hotel's restaurant. Advertisement 2 Feel like royalty with a stay at Middlethorpe Hall Where is the hotel? Just two miles from York city centre, Middlethorpe Hall is a William III country house set in 20 acres of rolling parkland. It is found just an 11 minute drive from York Train Station, so easily accessible. What is the hotel like? If your mates were landed gentry, this would be their country pile. The 29-bedroom National Trust hotel on York's outskirts has the wow factor plus a warm, homely vibe. Advertisement Think grand wooden staircase, squashy sofas and delightful staff who waved us off with water and biscuits for our trip home. What are the rooms like? No sterile identikit decor here. Expect four posters, quirky antiques and old paintings, but still with the mod cons. If you opt to stay in the main house, you'll be met with a glorious view of the gardens. The range of rooms available includes Courtyard Suites, Courtyard Bedrooms, Cottage and Garden Suites, Main House Bedrooms and Main House Suites. Advertisement Rooms for two available at £289 per night on a bed and breakfast basis with use of the spa. What is there to eat or drink there? Dine in. The afternoon is fit for royalty- inventive open sandwiches, delicate cakes and an apple and black pudding sausage roll. Dinner was three fine courses, including dick with plum and a fig parfait, in the wood-panelled dining room with roaring fire. My companion, who has both gluten and dairy allergies, was also offered plenty of indulgent choices. No wonder it has two AA Rosettes. Advertisement What else is there to do at the hotel? The hotel boasts a miniature spa complex on site, with a pool, sauna, steam room and other spa treatments available, as well as the walled garden to relax in whilst you take in the countryside. You are also well-placed for York's sights and shops, with the racecourse also just a few minutes away. It is a picturesque place to take a walk on a sunny day. The hotel also offers connections to multiple tours in and around York, including The bespoke private walking tours in York and the Downton Abbey film locations in Yorkshire tour. For more information, click here. Advertisement Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, the hotel welcomes families with children aged 6 and over for a stay at the hotel, and aged 8 and over in the spa during specified swimming times. Dogs are also welcome in select rooms. Is the hotel accessible? Yes, Middlethorpe aims to be as inclusive as possible, and where not possible due to extenuating circumstances, they will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. Advertisement
The Herald Scotland
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Award-winning The Gannet shuts doors due to flooding
The flash flood happened on Tuesday, the venue said in a post to social media, and was an ongoing problem for several businesses in the area. The Restaurant is due to re-open on Thursday. The Gannet has previously been named the AA's Restaurant of the Year, and has been awarded three AA Rosettes as well as accolades from industry bodies. In a statement posted online, it said: 'Unfortunately, due to yesterday's flash floods, we won't be opening this evening - unless you're interested in a delightful dinner-and-paddling-pool combo. 'In recent years, The Gannet and neighboring businesses have faced repeated flooding, causing significant damage and posing serious risks to public safety. It continued: 'As businesses that contribute significantly to the local economy through hefty business rates meant for infrastructure maintenance, it's frustrating that such essential upkeep has been neglected, leading to preventable flooding. 'In an already challenging economic climate for the hospitality sector, the extra financial burden from yesterday's flood is unsustainable—unless we fashion waders as part of our uniform.'
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
The Chip launches hiring drive ahead of major renovation
The Ubiquitous Chip, affectionately known as The Chip, is hiring 20 new members of staff to join its team at the much-loved Ashton Lane venue. The overhaul has been designed to preserve the distinctive character of The Chip while giving it the attention it needs after more than 50 years of serving Glasgow. Will Allen (Image: Supplied) The restaurant will undergo a refresh of the main and mezzanine dining areas, an extension and upgrade of the kitchens, and the introduction of a seven-day service across the restaurant and bars. To support the new era in The Chip's 53-year history, the team will prioritise beefing up the kitchen staff. Read more: Celtic transfer target Balikwisha absent from Antwerp training This includes new sous chefs, chef de partie, and commis chefs, with recruitment focused on supporting creativity and consistency in the venue's numerous dining areas. Several front-of-house staff will also be hired, including a new bar manager. The bar manager will be in charge of all three bars and will aid the transition to full seven-day service. They will also oversee the Wee Bar expansion, which will see a new speakeasy-style area created, providing guests with a more intimate social setting. For more information, go here Will Allen, the general manager, said: "The kitchen is the engine room of The Chip. "We're working hard to make sure the new layout supports quality, creativity, efficiency and the kind of environment chefs and front of house staff want to work in. "This is a great opportunity to be part of a team that blends legacy with ambition. "There aren't many kitchens like it in Glasgow." Head chef Doug Lindsay, who has led the kitchen for more than 20 years, has played a key role in shaping the new spaces to meet the demands of a busy service while maintaining the venue's signature standards. The restoration has been carefully planned to preserve the unique character of The Chip while modernising its facilities. All existing staff—around 40 people—have been retained and will be temporarily redeployed to sister venues during the closure. The Ubiquitous Chip has earned two AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine List Award.
South Wales Argus
03-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Carl Cleghorn reaches National Chef of the Year semis
The Newport-based founder of Tyme by Carl Cleghorn, which delivers fine dining experiences to homes across the M4 corridor from west Wales to London, impressed judges with a standout menu that secured his place in the next round. Mr Cleghorn said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be through to the semi-finals of National Chef of the Year 2025. "This year's brief just lit a fire in me straight away. It inspired a menu I really believe in, and to have it recognised by such a prestigious panel is honestly incredible. "It's a huge honour, and I'm ready to give it everything to earn my place in that final 10. Let's go." His semi-final menu, based on the theme 'classic meets contemporary', featured a lobster starter, a two-cut beef main, and a Grand Cru chocolate tart, all prepared within a three-hour time limit. Mr Cleghorn now joins 39 other chefs in the semi-finals, where he will be tasked with creating a summertime pre-dessert that showcases seasonal fruits or vegetables and tells a personal story through flavour and presentation. The semi-final judging will take place on July 16, with finalists announced on July 31. The National Chef of the Year competition is widely regarded as the UK and Ireland's most respected culinary contest, having helped launch the careers of chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Simon Hulstone. Mr Cleghorn's experience includes earning three AA Rosettes, working in Relais & Châteaux properties, and leading Michelin-starred kitchens. In 2024, he launched Tyme to make restaurant-quality dining accessible in homes, rentals, and event spaces. Tyme describes its offering as "relaxed fine dining without the pretension," rooted in skill, service, and the belief that exceptional food should be accessible to all.
Metro
27-06-2025
- Metro
Underrated UK village is a foodie heaven with three Michelin-starred restaurants
If you were to head 11 miles north of Liverpool or 16 miles west of Wigan, you'd stumble across an unassuming village that's home to around 8,300 people. While those who've visited say it's a 'peaceful' and 'wonderful' little spot, it's fair to say there's not a lot to keep you occupied in Aughton, Lancashire. According to Tripadvisor there are three main things to do: go to church, or visit the Oaks Golf Club either for a round of golf or a pamper session at the spa. Despite this, people from all over Europe and even as far as the US return to the village each year for one simple reason: the food. Aughton is a must-visit for foodies with not one, not two, but three Michelin Star restaurants. They have an impressive five stars between them and are all within walking distance of one another. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Moor Hall, a hotel with a modern British restaurant, is the most notable. It has three stars to its name, which means the Michelin gods have deemed the food 'exceptional'. If that weren't enough, the restaurant also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices (most of the seasonal produce is grown in the grounds of the hall), as well as five AA Rosettes. It was just named the second best restaurant in the UK in the National Restaurant Awards 2025. Headed up by chef Mark Birchall, the restaurant serves a Provenance tasting menu for dinner which is priced at £235 per person (this is going up to £265 from July 1). There's also a four-course lunch menu for £125 per person (£145 as of July 1). The restaurant has a cheese room containing some of 'the best British and Irish Farmhouse cheeses', as well as a wine cellar. The AA Awards 2024 awarded Moor Hall's wine list as the 'best in England and overall', and there are two options for wine pairings with a meal, including a £145 Prestige pairing or a Rarity pairing for £295. An alcohol-free pairing is also available for £85 and features single vintage teas from around the globe. There are hundreds of five star reviews on Google, which hail the food as 'amazing', 'fantastic' and 'the best in the country'. Kate Weil wrote: 'Been here several times. It is quite simply the best restaurant in the country. Staff are exceptional, food is beyond belief and the wine is everything. Michelin and quality hospitality at its best. Love coming here, worth every penny.' Similarly, Saveena Pomian said: 'Difficult to express this experience in words. You feel every course is the best thing you have ever tasted, only to be beaten by the next! From the amuse bouche including a delectable warm black pudding in a crisp shell to the most amazing beef tartare that burst with freshness on the palate. This was followed up by native lobster with a delicate flavour and then a moist Guinea hen with a perfect side of offal ragout. 'The carefully chosen ginger ice cream freshens ready for an apple and blackberry pudding. There is an amazing choice of English cheeses followed by an exciting choice of petit fours. We had 12 'courses' in all and the wine pairing was perfect.' They added: 'The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is spot on. Attentive without being obtrusive. An absolutely fantastic gastronomic experience' Moor Hall is also home to the second of Aughton's three Michelin Star restaurants, The Barn. This is a sister restaurant to the main dining space and shares the same ethos, however dining here is much more affordable. Set in a rustic barn, a three course lunch will cost £48 per person, while a set dinner menu is £56 per person. Example dishes might include Chalk stream trout, radish, sea greens and malted wheat or Roasted Sladesdown duck served with organic carrots, red kale and girolles. On Sundays, you can tuck into a hearty roast dinner with 60-day-aged Belted Galloway Sirloin or Herdwick Lamb Rump with yorkshire puddings and some other fabulous trimmings. The third and final spot is sō–lō, another modern British restaurant set in an 'understated' and informal setting. Created by chef Tim Allen, the menu features culinary influences from around the world, mixing flavours and textures with seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between a £105 tasting menu for dinner, a £52 three-course lunch or a £64 Sunday lunch menu that features dishes such as Cumbrian Heritage Sirloin, Ham, Egg & Chips and an artisanal cheese plate. 'Unstuffy' sō–lō has garnered a big online following with dozens of impressive reviews. Phil Steele posted on Google that his meal there was 'incredible excellent', while Nidtima Maroengsit commented: 'Had an amazing experience. The food is fantastic, especially the Sunday roast – truly a must-try. The staff are so friendly and helpful, making the whole dining experience even better. Highly recommend it!' Others said it was 'as close to perfection as you can get'. If you're in London, you'll have to be prepared to spend a fair chunk of time getting to Aughton. The train is the quickest way to get there but there is no direct service. You'll want to start at London Euston and take an Avanti West Coast train to Liverpool Lime Street. From here, you'll want to head to Liverpool Central and then get the Merseyrail towards Ormskirk, getting off at Town Green (Aughton). Moor Hall is a 15-minute walk from the station, while sō–lō is just five minutes away. Aughton is mostly residential, so there's not too much to do but the wider parish does have two shopping areas, two train stations, churches and a village hall. More Trending As well as visiting the local Michelin star restaurants, there are a few other pubs and eateries in the village, including The Dog and Gun Inn, Daily Dose Coffee, The Stanley Arms and Arthur's of Aughton. And nature lovers can head to the Gorse Hill Nature Reserve to see various wildlife or visit the cafe. For more to do, you can head to nearby Ormskirk, where you'll find farms to visit with the kids, the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, the West Lancashire Light Railway, Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve, and various walking and cycling routes. Beach lovers aren't far from the coast, as Formby Beach is just a nine mile drive from Aughton, or if you're more of a city person, Liverpool is a little over 30 minutes by car or train. Do you have a story to share? 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