It’s great going out to eat, but a recent visit to Chapters Hotel and Restaurant in Stokesley proved to be something extra special.
Formerly a coaching inn, the hotel dates back some 250 years and its Gourmet Nights – which include an evening meal, overnight stay and breakfast – sounded the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Arriving in the reception area we were greeted by the manager and he instantly made us feel very welcome. First we headed to our room – and what a lovely touch, sparkling wine on ice with petit fours.
The room was spacious with a wonderful mixture of modern and traditional furniture creating a beautifully elegant environment. Then it was time for food.

We’d booked into the brasserie but were also given the option of the themed Moroccan night in the restaurant. Sticking with our original choice, we took a look at the menu’s mouthwatering selection of dishes.
My husband decided on carpaccio of local beef, horseradish cream and beetroot crisps to start; I opted for duck liver parfait which came with mango, pickled ginger chutney and toasted brioche.
The presentation of both dishes was superb and few words were spoken as we devoured our first course. On to the mains and we both chose the fillet of local beef with wild mushroom diane sauce. Everyone must try this sauce – it was delicious. I only wish they would sell it as I would gladly have taken some home. This was served with twice cooked hand cut chips and dressed house salad.

Dessert was a true paradise for chocolate lovers. Choices included nemesis of chocolate, a crème brulee, chocolate soufflé, chocolate mousse with wild berries and chocolate ice cream – all beautifully presented in individual dishes. My husband decided to try the selection of local and continental cheeses with home-made chutney and jam. All in all a fantastic meal – inspirational combinations of ingredients and delicious flavours.

After a wonderfully relaxing night’s stay in our hotel room, it was time for breakfast. Again, there was plenty of choice from a light meal to a full cooked plateful. It’s not often you’d think of booking a night in a hotel when it’s so close to home, but I’m converted. It’s a great way to really unwind and relax and enjoy some fantastic food. It’s perfect for a special occasion or if you just fancy some extra TLC, but there’s still plenty to enjoy at Chapters even if you can’t stay the night.

Our meal was included in the Gourmet Night price, but starters begin at £4.95 and include delicious treats such as Yorkshire Blue cheese twice bake souffle and steamed Shetland mussels – both at £5.95.
Main courses include pan roasted rump of local lamb at £15.95 and saddle of venison with sauteed king prawns at £18.50. I’m not sure if it’ll be just a meal or a relaxing overnight break, but I’ll definitely be making a return visit to Chapters soon.

Read the full review here

“A culinary adventure – Yorkshire Life Lunch
CHAPTERS, STOKESLEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
An innovative chef creates a meal with a difference.

There was more than a hint of fun about the menu at this month’s Yorkshire Life lunch. No one expected sausage roll, chips and beans or even boiled egg and soldiers at an award winning fine dining restaurant such as the one at Chapters Hotel in the market town of Stokesley, North Yorkshire. The welcome was traditional enough, and was made special with a glass of sparkling wine before guests sat down for what turned out to be a delicious six-course adventure.

Head chef Sean Wilkinson smiled as he explained how he loved innovation in cooking and wanted to create something memorable for the Yorkshire Life event. ‘It was exhausting,’ he said as he stepped out of the kitchen to talk to guests who applauded him and his small team for an exceptional meal. ‘It takes time but it is fun, different and exciting which is what cooking and food should be about,’ added Sean. The meal began with pea, ginger and coconut foam and Thai crab chilli beignet served with a variety of warm bread rolls including black pudding, basil, Parmesan and plain. Then a miniature sausage roll, thin chips served in a paper cone and a bean veloute had everyone smiling and talking to each other.

Next was goat’s cheese cheesecake with toasted walnut and Bloody Mary followed by melt-in-the mouth lamb –the meat was supplied by Yorkshire Dales Meat – smoked celeriac, cabbage, potato and carrot. And then the boiled egg and soldiers arrived but the egg was a deliciously light coconut pancetta topped with mango puree served in an egg shell with a brochette soldier on the side. The dish which was devoured also had everyone speculating about the preparation of the egg shell that looked so perfect.

The final dish arrived – a refreshing ginger bread parfait, with lemon curd jelly, orange lollipops and pistachio crumbs, provided the perfect ending to a very full afternoon. Annie Stirk, Yorkshire Life food and drink consultant, said she was ‘blown away’ by the lunch and the chef’s fabulous innovation. General manager Christopher Neal and owner Steven Bell both said how excited they were about the Sean’s work in the kitchen and looked forward to more developments in the restaurant and the hotel which will see Chapters become a destination in itself.

Read the full review here

He has the unique ability to par flavours, textures and temperatures. He serves modern British and Continental cuisine sometimes with a Molecular twist.

Sean Wilkinson was recently Finalist in Yorkshire Chef of the Year 2009, Winner of UK’s Best Dessert 2007 Restaurant magazine and appeared on TV in UK TV food for Tana Ramsey abd on the Paul O Grady Show.

When Chapters Hotel and Restaurant was put on the market, the rumours began to fly. We were told this historic listed building was going to be turned into flats, or was it offices? Happily Steven Bell had other ideas and thanks to his investment, the buzz has returned to this popular Stokesley venue.

We chose to eat in the newly refurbished Bistro, stylish, yet cosy. The menu is impressive, and offers an exciting selection of dishes. Starters include a Risotto of wild mushrooms; pan fried squid with chilli and lime dressing; and chicken liver pate. For starters my wife chose an unusual and delicious ballontine of organic chicken and ham hock. My salmon fish cakes with baby spinach and creme fraiche were a generous well presented portion.
My wife’s sea bass which followed, served with puy lentils and globe artichoke puree, was equally applauded. I followed with a succulent braised shank of lamb which was cooked to perfection and fell from the bone.

Our choice of wine was a 1998 Chateau Musar priced keenly at £15.25. Tempted by the half-dozen choices of desserts on offer, I was not disappointed by the mandarin scented chocolate mousse with orange sorbet.
Two courses in the Bistro are charged at £16.95 and for three courses the price rises to £19.95. With the addition of pre- dinner drinks, a bottle of sparkling water and coffee, our bill came to £52.80

Interestingly, although Victor Vassallo does not impose a dress code on his diners, there is a uniformity about his well dressed staff who are all smartly attired in black and white and provided excellent, unobtrusive service.
If this standard can be maintained , there is little doubt that Chapters under the new owner will be a resounding success. Chapters is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6-30pm. Last orders are 10-30pm.

Veronica Hagin 76 pictured a Yorkshire-expatriate who now lives in Northern California returned to the hotel in 1991 – a place which was her home from 1944 until 1952. Witnessing for her self the transformation of the former ‘Golden Lion Hotel’ into the modern day ‘Chapters Hotel and Restaurant’ Veronica felt inspired to write her life story.
Veronica said: “Even though I left England to emigrate to Canada in 1956 I am primarily a ‘Yorkshire girl’. When I returned to visit Stokesley in 1991, I found a great many changes had occurred. Places change and people move on which is why I felt compelled to write my story.”

In the post-war years, The Golden Lion Hotel was owned and managed by Veronica’s parents, Ernest and Violet Thornton, pictured below. Her story paints an image of life in a hotel following the end of the Second World War – from VE day celebrations on the town green through to continued food rationing.

Veronica fondly remembers the food her mother used to serve to guests in the Hotel’s restaurant: “The serving of game was not restricted by food rationing, which remained in place until 1952. Throughout those years, the Hotel’s reputation grew as rabbit and pigeon pies became regular items on the menu alongside jugged hare.”

Since Veronica left the hotel, Chapters has changed hands many times before finally being acquired by Steven Bell in 2005. Steven carried out a major refurbishment to the Hotel and Restaurant, modernising many of the hotel’s rooms and introducing gourmet cuisine to Stokesley. His efforts were rewarded last year when the restaurant won two awards – “Restaurant of the Year” by the Flavours of Hambleton Awards 2007 and “Restaurant of the Year for Special Occasions” at the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast Awards 2007.

Speaking of Veronica’s book, Steven said: “Veronica’s story evokes images of a busy and bustling hotel during a relatively recent period in the hotel’s long history. I enjoyed reading her book and I would be delighted to extend a warm invitation to Veronica and her daughters to stay at Chapter’s as my personal guests when they next visit England.”

Steven is now appealing to other former owners of the hotel from throughout the last 100 years to come forward to complete a historical timeline for the hotel. The timeline will be published on the hotel’s website – www.chaptershotel.co.uk. Anyone with information to contribute, should contact Rachel Power on 01642 711888

The establishment also received runners-up accolades in the Restaurant of the Year (Special Occasion) category at the Yorkshire Moors and Coast tourism Awards and the Yorkshire Life Food & Wine Awards.

Victoria Vassallo. Head chef trained under two Michelin starred chefs and was voted Malta’s best chef in a British Airways poll quoted, “it’s always good to receive an award, but to win the same accolade for two years running just shows great consistency throughout the business”.

The Food at Chapters is locally sourced, and passionately prepared by a well organised team. In order to have the freshest ingredients, the menu changes according to season. The current menus include local Venison with Wild Mushrooms, Wilted Spinach, Onion Puree & Juniper Berry Jus & Pan Seared Fillet of Pork, Brussel Sprouts &Pancetta Compote, Fondant Potato & Mustard Sauce.

To compliment the food Chapters Hotel boasts an exceptional wine list, with over 100 bins, many of which are competitively priced between £10 & £25. The list is extensive and includes a 1985 and 95 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. 16 wines from the list can also be bought by the glass.

The food and wine is brought together by exceptional service from a young front of house team. Victor Vassallo, the general manager takes great pride in training such a young team and believes that after 3 and a half years it is nice to finally receive some recognition.  The success this year follows on from wining 3 awards last year and is a testament to the consistent high quality of food served at Chapters. To receive these awards is a tribute to the hard work of Victoria Ian, Victor ,Chris , and  All the team.

Last year tourism brought a massive £121.45 million into Hambleton – with the food and drink industry accounting for £21.29 million of it. And that segment rises year on year.

But it is not all about tourists – it is also important that the district provides top class facilities for our residents. They want good places to eat and drink too – and there is a real hunger for menus offering local dishes.

That’s why in 2004 Hambleton District Council set out to strengthen its links with the food and drink sectors and encourage them to use local produce and develop a distinctive local cuisine.

To celebrate this, the Flavours of Hambleton awards were established – to recognise excellence throughout this district of North Yorkshire.

Every year the number of nominations has also grown -there were almost 2000 this year for 100 businesses. As always that gave the judges a very hard task – mystery shopping each venue was a pleasure for them, but led to some soul searching when it came to choosing the winners!

Breakfast of the Year – Sponsored by the BBC Radio York.
Lovesome Hill Farmhouse at Northallerton – run by Mary and John Pearson
This 165 acre working farm is also a thriving bed and breakfast business – visitors can stay in the farmhouse, in the granary, a cottage or the ‘bunkhouse’ for serious walkers! Mary specialises in good home cooking and her wholesome breakfasts will see those walkers off for a day in the Dales. Home made jam, locally produced honey and sausages from home reared stock are regular features. And there are healthier options on offer if you don’t fancy bacon and eggs. The judges said their visit to Lovesome Hill could not be faulted – a real farmhouse; friendly hosts; excellent quality and home made local produce. And the freshly cooked breakfast was simply described as beautiful!

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by ‘deliciouslyorkshire’
Sutton Beef and Lamb of Sutton on the Forest – run by Andrew and Janet Stott

Situated on the picturesque Sutton Park estate traditional pedigree Aberdeen angus, dexters and Hampshire down sheep are raised for meat. All stock is suckled naturally, calves are weaned at eight months and then slowly reared to make for good quality meat. The farm also produces its own winter fodder to maintain the high standards it strives for. The finished products are sold direct to the customer and via the annual Huby and Sutton Show although there are plans to sell through a local retailer in the future.
The judges said the standard and quality of the producers who entered this category was second to none but Sutton Beef and Lamb was a business whose supporting customer letters underlined the quality of their product and the service they provide.

Pub Food of the Year sponsored by Northern Select Foods
The Crosby at Thornton le Beans – run by Chris and Moira Robson
After 22 years in the motor trade Chris decided he wanted a change so last year he and Moira took their first foray into the pub business. The pub specialises in good home cooked food – both pub grub and a la carte menus. Chef Malcolm Talbot lists rack of lamb, chicken stuffed with stilton and wrapped with bacon and Sunday roasts as his specialities. And he reputedly does the best Yorkshire puddings in the district – they are so big they struggle to come out of the oven!

The judges selected the Crosby because of the good menu choice, friendly staff, excellent service and value for money and importantly the high standard of food

Outside Caterer of the Year – sponsored by Sugar and Spice Food Profiling and Marketing Specialists.

FIGS of East Harlsey is run by Nicola Calder.
Nicola has been running her small business from her home kitchen for over four years. She is passionate about cooking making sure everyone gets just what they want when she caters for their event – however large or small. Sourcing local products and trying out new suppliers is a big part of the job. And she has had some fierce critics in her time because before this she worked in the music industry cooking for people like – Michael Jackson, Mel C, Paul McCartney and Elizabeth Taylor.

This was another hard call for the judges but it went to the business that has gone from strength to strength in the five years it has been in operation with Weddings,Balls and Family and Corporate Celebrations now forming the backbone of the business. During that time Nicola has tried to ensure that she uses local produce and local suppliers in her menus -using the Deliciously Yorkshire Guide to Food and Drink to source the very best food and ingredients in the County.

Tearoom of the Year – sponsored by ITV Tyne Tees Televison.
Tea Hee of Easingwold run by Sophie Smith.
Opened almost four years ago, this compact café quickly established itself in the market town. Its popularity meant expansion in 2005 – into the shop next door and the garden, doubling its size. Everything is home made – and prepared at the café. Local suppliers are used wherever possible – and the deli means people can take the products they sampled in the shop home!

The judges said Tea Hee just couldn’t be beaten – great food, great atmosphere fruit tea is to die for!

Specialist Retailer of the Year sponsored by Hambleton Ales
Fine Foods of Yorkshire in Easingwold run by Mark and Lucy Taylor
This business has quickly established itself as the place to find quality home products. As many foods as possible are sourced in Yorkshire – and as close to Easingwold as possible. They are already getting set for Xmas with mulled wine bundles and marzipan fruits! Former butcher Mark, has also turned his hand to fishmongery with an impressive selection of fish – all fresh daily.

The judges awarded this category to a business that is described as a ‘real find’ in one of our market towns. From caviar to home made cakes – and beautiful fresh fish

Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Lewis and Cooper from Northallerton
Deli No I in Easingwold – run by Emma and Stephen Coates
Emma and Stephen opened up just over 12 months ago – the previous owners had retired and the residential care home where Emma had been cook had closed. And despite baby Georgina appearing three months ago, who has so far prevented Emma from cooking for the shop, it is going from strength to strength. They believe in providing quality food that is fresh daily using award winning chefs from across North Yorkshire to provide the ready meals, quiches and pastries that are so popular with customers.

The high standard of entrants made judging particularly difficult but Deli No 1 was chosen because of the exceptional quality products and the commitment to local cooking.

Restaurant of the Year sponsored by the Darlington and Stockton Times.
Chapters in Stokesley – owned by Steven and Dawn Bell
Looking for a new challenge Steven bought Chapters in Stokesley High Street and set about revitalising the listed building. And with that in mind he enticed Maltese restauranteur Victor Vassallo and his wife Victoria to come to the UK – Victor as general manager and award winning chef Victoria to look after the gourmet restaurant and bistro. The restaurant seats just 28 diners who prefer a more gourmet meal while the bistro caters for 40 in its relaxed surroundings. And they can try anything from sea bass or plaice to duck, chicken or beef all cooked to Victoria and her teams exacting standards – with ingredients that are all sourced from local suppliers.

The winner was selected because from the moment the judges walked through the door to the point of leaving it felt like a classy establishment. Add to that the high quality food, surroundings and service and we have a worthy winner in Chapters

Village Shop of the Year sponsored by Hambleton District Council.
Tollerton Post Office and Village Stores run by Phillip Lancaster
Philip’s has been in Tollerton for eight years – and this year has also opened Dooleys new store in Easingwold. As a result of that venture the range of stock has increased in Tollerton. He sells a range of locally produced foods – using local bakers, butchers and growers where he can. Bags of liquorice are a customer favourite along with ready made stews and sauces. Hampers, freshly baked breads and a wide range of real ales and wines are also popular. And his neighbour is as busy as ever making Tollerton Stores jams and jellies. And like all local stores a good range of greetings cards is essential!

It was a hard job for the judges and the result was another close call – but they eventually opted for Tollerton Stores – the finalist which stocked a huge range of local produce and always had a helping hand and listening ear for the customer.

Outstanding achievement to the food and drink industry sponsored by Minster Northallerton FM
This award is a little bit special – there was a long list of potential entrants for this category but we had no argument between the judges – they were unanimous in their decision that is should go to a person who has been plying in his trade in the catering world for over 20 years. Not only has he been cooking for us but he has also helped breed new chefs for the industry – James Butterfield!

Everyone in Hambleton will know James as the owner of The Café in Northallerton – a business he opened four years ago but where does he hail from? He has worked as senior chef de partie in a hotel on the Cote D’Azur in France; sous chef at the Cleveland Tontine, senior chef to partie at the five sat Cliveden in Berkshire; and senior sous chef at the Blackwell Grange Moathouse. Add to that five years as chef lecturer at Darlington College of Technology – whe he trained himself – and a year travelling around Australia chefing and he has had a varied life!

At home he likes to cook simple food for his wife and three children! And when time allows he enjoys following football at both Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne and Middlesbrough Football Club Chairman, Steve Gibson, were among 200 guests at the Riverside Stadium for the ‘Touch of Class’ event hosted by radio presenter Judie McCourt.

Auctioning an array of special items including hospitality tickets for an upcoming game at Middlesbrough Football Club, an Audi soft top for the weekend and Take That concert tickets, the fund-raising was off to a flying start with bidding topping £4,000 for a Shooting Experience at Busby Hall.

Hosting the paparazzi entrance, local actress and charity patron Elizabeth Carling made the journey back to Teesside to support the cause. Fame Academy star, Alistair Griffin also made a guest appearance with other entertainment being laid on by Tiller Girls and a live Jazz band. Fund-raisers also tried their hand on the giant scaletrix track and even pushed their luck on the casino tables before they danced the night away until the early hours.

The Holistic Cancer Care Centre, a self-financing charity, caters for around 150 patients and carers every week. The centre provides support and holistic care for cancer patients registered with the hospital’s oncologists and their carers. Complementary practitioners offer aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, reiki, homeopathy, hypnotherapy and counselling.

Steven Bell, Owner of Chapters Hotel and Restaurant, said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended Friday’s event and those who kindly donated prizes for the auction.

“It was a fantastic evening and a substantial amount of money was raised for the Holistic Cancer Care Centre.”

Heather Goodwill, Acting Manager at the Holistic Cancer Care Centre, said: “The Holistic Cancer Care Centre is thrilled with the success of A Touch of Class. The event raised a vast amount of money for the charity and we are over the moon with the generosity of everyone who attended and showed their support.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steven for his work with the Holistic Cancer Care Centre. A huge amount of hard work and effort has gone into organising this year’s event and I hope that everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the night.”

Chapters has been the venue for many weddings in the past with a dedicated wedding team on hand to ensure the day is perfect from the moment the wedding is booked.
The brasserie, which seats up to 60 guests, is tastefully decorated and boasts bespoke artwork from local artists. The restaurant seats up to 40 guests and caters for people who prefer a more formal gourmet service, ideal for any type of dining experience.

The terraced garden area, which holds up to 60 guests, has heated lamps installed, so can be used comfortably any time of the year. The 13 deluxe rooms in the hotel have first-class facilities which include Wi-Fi internet access, plasma television screens with built in DVD players and full en-suite facilities.

General manager of Chapters Hotel and Restaurant says: “A couple’s wedding day is one of the most important and special days of their lives. The wedding fare at Chapters will help a couple find the right people to make their dreams come true and ensure that their wedding day is a fantastic occasion.

“The businesses at the wedding fair are very professional and will endeavour to make sure that everything goes according to plan on the wedding day.”

Steven Bell owns Chapters Hotel and Restaurant in Stokesley. He and his brother Peter also own The House designer fashion stores in Yarm and Northallerton.

The videos, each lasting around 3 minutes, highlight why Yarm, Stokesley and Northallerton are great places to visit and to do business.

In August 2004, the Bell brothers took over their first designer clothes outlet, after having sold their chain of 54 convenience stores to Sainsbury’s.

The first store, The House in Yarm, was followed by the purchase of Leopard at Harrogate and Brills in Leeds, which have also been renamed, The House.

The latest addition to The House portfolio opened in Northallerton in December 2006.

In 2005, Steven Bell bought Chapters Hotel and Restaurant and subsequently carried out a substantial refurbishment.

The gourmet restaurant has quickly developed a name for fine dining.

Steven Bell said: “Yarm, Stokesley and Northallerton are very similar, with traditional high streets and picturesque market squares. The towns have developed over recent years and forged an excellent reputation for shopping and eating out.

“The internet is a very powerful and global medium and we decided to utilise this to show people across the world what a fantastic area we live and work in. We are passionate about the Tees Valley and we want to encourage people, not only tourists but those who live locally, to visit Yarm, Stokesley or Northallerton and we can guarantee that they will be delighted with what they discover.”