Tucked away in a quiet corner of York city centre is Middletons Hotel, home to charming hospitality, boutique bedrooms, a relaxed restaurant and unique wedding spaces. Comprised of a collection of Grade II listed historical buildings, the tale of Middletons is fascinating for a history buff like me. We were given a very warm Yorkshire welcome indeed as we arrived at the reception desk, which even boasts it’s own story. Local firm Hunter & Smallpage of York, founded in 1975 was a reputable furnisher and haberdasher. When it moved from Goodramgate to Mickelgate, the old counter for measuring lengths of cloth was not needed so with some alterations it became Middleton’s reception desk. You can still see the brass measuring rule. I was already hooked! Taking refuge from the chilly autumn day, we entered via The Central Lounge linking The Organ Factory and Cromwell House. The semi-circular Conservatory Restaurant leads off of it – more on that later. Our home for the night was to be Lady Anne House. Once the refuge for 20 widows of the Freemen of the City of York, it was founded by an endowment given by Dame Anne Middleton (from whom the Hotel takes its name) in 1659, the wife of Peter Middleton, the then Sheriff of York. Eighteen bedrooms are located here, over two floors. It also houses a quiet glass-roofed lounge featuring some original Roman masonry as well as a glasstopped well. We were glad to settle into the quiet comfort of our bijou room, beautifully decorated and cosy with all the mod cons, a dream for wedding guests. THE BEST OF YORKSHIRE I must confess, since discovering I was to be treated to a dinner of Yorkshire tapas I’d been both excited and intrigued. The menu works in exactly the same way as Spanish tapas, where you’re invited to order three to four dishes to enjoy, whether they be shared or all to yourself. I’d have quite cheerfully ordered the entire menu, it was so difficult to choose! But I eventually narrowed it down to honey glazed pork belly with pistachio and herb crumb, and Aspalls cider reduction; salmon Gravlax three ways – beetroot cure, lemon cure and herb cure; crispy potato and onion rosti; and pork and black pudding scotch egg with piccalilli. Plus, I couldn’t resist pinching a bite of mum’s mini Yorkshire puds and dirty hasselback potatoes with cheese sauce, chives and crispy bacon. As with standard tapas, the dishes come out as and when they’re ready; making for a thrilling seemingly endless parade of incredible food, where you start to wonder if your eyes were bigger than your belly! For dessert I opted for the lime meringue tart with citrus sorbet and biscuit crumb, a fresh delightful twist on my old favourite. If given the chance to return though (and if I still had room) I’d also like to try the Yorkshire parkin, with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream – yum! What a wonderful experience this was. The Hotel is clearly and rightly proud of its heritage and Yorkshire location, which sings through the incredible local produce. The meal was certainly hearty, humble with a luxury twist and absolutely delicious. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and will return asap. Breakfast too was an indulgent treat. You might remember me falling in love with Thwaites’ revelation of Eggs Royale at Thorpe Park, and was true to my word when I said last issue I’d order again given the opportunity. Poached eggs atop an English muffin with hollandaise sauce and smoked salmon got me on the right foot to explore York. The venue’s chefs, who are geniuses in my opinion, will create a delicious menu for your wedding day using the same fresh, seasonal ingredients I enjoyed and will prepare them with pride. WHERE TO WED I enjoyed my meals in the light-filled Conservatory Restaurant, which is available for your big-day celebrations surrounded by 40 of your nearest and dearest. It also opens up onto the charming terrace. Alternatively, for the same number, the Sawmill Suite, characterful and steeped in history, can also host your ceremony and reception. Although Middletons is made up of several buildings, they’re all interconnected. So, when the Yorkshire weather isn’t working in your favour, there’s no need to worry as you’ll all be super-cosy and dry here. An absolutely stunning space for your ceremony is The Organ Factory. An intimate room with original stained-glass windows, it can host up to 24 for the “I dos.” Meanwhile, the Sun Lounge, is tucked away at the back of the Hotel and offers the perfect ceremony space for up to 40 loved ones. It houses some fascinating pieces of history including the aforementioned glass-topped well. The venue has three wedding packages to choose from ranging from the Classic, where all the small details have been covered, through to Fairytale, which is all you could have dreamed of and more. Middletons focuses on more intimate weddings so bespoke packages are available for smaller guest lists. Why wait? Proclaim your love for one another in the sanctuary of these stunning 17th-century buildings. The jewel of York Editor Kelly Andrews spent a night at Middletons York a fascinating historical hotspot for your big day FIND OUT MORE Middletons Hotel, Skeldergate, York, YO1 6DU 01904 611 570 reception@middletonsyork.co.uk www.middletonsyork.co.uk Scan to view video 20
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