What's On
Enjoy a fine meal …then sleep on it
March 3, 2010
Whats On North East recently joined us at Chapters for one of our “Gourmet Nights”.
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
Yorkshire Life enjoys lunch at Chapters
February 12, 2010
Yorkshire Life magazine recently joined us at Chapters for our “fun” lunch menu.
“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
Sean Wilkinson Takes Over Head Chef Position At Chapters Hotel
March 23, 2009
Head Chef Sean Wilkinson who joined us in September 2008, Has had 20 Years experience as a Chef on the continent and in the UK. He is Known for his individual cooking style and his attention to detail.
He has the unique ability to par flavours, textures and temperatures. He serves modern British and Continental cuisine sometimes with a Molecular twist. (more…)
February 23, 2009
Simon Ward, Food correspondent for Now & Then Magazine writes:
Rating: 9/10
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. (more…)
Chapters revisited in memoirs of former hotel resident
November 1, 2008
Chapters Hotel and Restaurant in Stokesley has inspired one former resident to write her memoirs for the benefit of her three American-daughters and seven grandchildren.
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. (more…)
September 23, 2008
Chapters which is owned by local businessman Steven Bell was recently named Restaurant of the Year at the Flavours of Hambleton Awards.
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. (more…)
February 2, 2008
Food and drink is a key player in the tourism industry – it is well known that having good places to stay, eat and drink leads to more visitors.
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. (more…)
Touch of Class 2007 at Middlesbrough Football Club
October 26, 2007
Steven Bell, owner of Chapters Hotel and Restaurant, has spoken of his delight after raising more than £26,000 at a star studded event for the Holistic Cancer Care Centre in Middlesbrough.
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. (more…)
Prepare for a new Chapter in your lives
September 22, 2007
Chapters Hotel and Restaurant is holding its first wedding fair next week. There will be 15 stalls ranging from florists and catering to choosing the essential wedding outfits for the bride and groom and will be held on Sunday, February 4 from 11am to 4pm, with free admission.
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. (more…)
June 26, 2007
Chapters Hotel and Restaurant and The House have joined forces to produce three short films to promote the Tees Valley market towns of Stokesley, Yarm and Northallerton.
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. (more…)
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