A new boutique restaurant and hotel in the grounds of Middleton Lodge in North Yorkshire has officially opened its doors to its first guests, following months of designing and planning. The new venue is nestled in the stunning Georgian estate on the outskirts of Richmond and looks set to be one of the region’s most sought after dining venues.
The new boutique restaurant and hotel has been a labour of love for the current owner of the estate, James Allison, who fifteen years ago first realized the potential of the derelict stables and always knew he wanted to turn it into a unique venue space.
Keen to create a dining destination unlike anywhere else in the North East, whilst keeping the main house as a private venue, James and his partner Rebecca (Design Director at Middleton Lodge) took inspiration from across the world to create a boutique restaurant and hotel that offered guests a relaxed atmosphere in a contemporary setting, whilst retaining its traditional soul.
Following an investment of £2million, the team broke ground in June 2013 and since then has transformed the estate’s old sandstone, Georgian stables into a beautiful dining venue with nine individually designed en-suite bedrooms, overlooking the estate’s paddock and croquet pitch.
James Allison comments: “To be able to officially open The Coach House is a fantastic feeling. The whole team has been working so hard over the past two years to create this beautiful venue. Throughout this project it was essential that The Coach House complemented the setting but had a contemporary twist, plus we knew that we had to offer something unique to the area.
“We really want people to feel like it’s a home away from home, where they can cosy up by an open fire with a bottle of wine or enjoy a hearty meal after a winter walk in the countryside.”
Culinary journey of the region
The new 2,000 sq ft dining room accommodates 80 covers, where guests will have the chance to enjoy a delicious, unique menu created by recently appointed head chef, Gareth Rayner. The new menu has been carefully selected with the diner in mind, creating unique dishes that are both delicious and original.
Drawing inspiration from the North Yorkshire seasons and the changing vegetation, Gareth’s menu is set to take diners on a culinary journey of the rural region.
Gareth Rayner, comments: “After a hectic couple of months of planning and perfecting the menu with our kitchen director, Caroline Whalley, it’s so exciting that we are now able to serve these beautiful dishes to our diners. My passion is to use what the local land can provide me, complementing the ever-changing seasons to create the very best choice of dishes and use of flavours for the diners to try.
“What’s fantastic about The Coach House is the variety of skills coming into the Kitchen, including the help of head pastry chef Henny Crosland, who will be creating a selection of poised and playful desserts that are bound to be the talk of the North East.”
The Coach House at Middleton Lodge is now open and is taking dining and room bookings. Rates start from £150 per room per night.
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