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von Essen hotels shine stars across the UK Posted on 20/01/2010
Michelin wins at Ynyshir Hall in Powys, Wales and at The Samling and Sharrow Bay in Cumbria.
With 29 hotels across England, Scotland, Wales and France, von Essen hotels are recognised within both the travel and restaurant industries as award winning properties offering unique dining options and this has been further confirmed with three big wins. Ynyshir Hall and The Samling have been awarded new Michelin stars whilst Sharrow Bay has retained their Michelin star for the fourteenth consecutive year. The group now holds four Michelin stars and continues to own one of the biggest collections of AA rosettes in the UK along with extensive industry awards and recognition for the fine food and wine on offer across the collection of hotels and restaurants.
Ynyshir Hall in Powys, Wales, under the culinary guidance of Shane Hughes has become one of the most sought after spots in the UK to unwind, recharge and enjoy fine cuisine. Shane has built up a loyal following and developed some innovative recipes using local fresh produce. He continues to use wild foods which he acquires from the local area and he invites guests to join him in discovering items like wild samphire and wild garlic for use in the kitchen. Ynyshir Hall, which was once home to Queen Victoria offers 9 bedrooms in an idyllic setting and is part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group.
Further north in the UK in Cumbria, The Samling hotel have won their first Michelin star. Head chef Nigel Mendham has attracted a popular and loyal following from locals who have been visiting the restaurant at The Samling for many years. One of the UK’s best kept secrets is now out and Nigel’s Michelin win will continue to attract locals and foodies alike from across the UK. The Samling is regarded by many as one of the UK’s finest hotels and its 11 bedrooms with stunning and unique views over Lake Windermere coupled with Nigel’s menus are sure to cement the hotel as a must visit in 2010. Says Nigel; “It is such an honour to be awarded this prestigious accolade. This is an award for my team who have shown such dedication and passion, it’s also testimony to the fantastic abundance of local produce available in Cumbria. I’m looking forward to an exciting future at The Samling.”
Sharrow Bay which last year launched a food range whilst celebrating its 60th anniversary has retained its Michelin star for the fourteenth consecutive year. Head chef Colin Akrigg and Mark Teasdale have devised menus using local produce and continue to support local suppliers. Sharrow Bay is recognised as a foodie destination and maintains a traditional approach. It too is part of the Relais & Chateaux group. Says Colin; “Each year you have to earn the star again. You need quality and consistency year on year meal after meal. It is testament to everyone at Sharrow Bay that we have been awarded the star now for fifteen years”.
von Essen hotels are also proud of the Michelin star that the Chateau de Bagnols has and the Chateau continues to be regarded as one of France’s finest. In 2009 it won in the Prix Villegiature Awards further recognition of its excellence in hospitality and fine dining.
The Michelin wins come fresh on the heels of major wins for von Essen hotels including AA Hotel Group of the Year 2009 – 2010, Hotel Chain of the Year at the British Travel Awards and listings at the National Restaurant Awards. To coincide with the wins two very special ‘Star Grazing’ packages have been announced and are designed to enhance and celebrate the Michelin wins in a unique and memorable way. (See below)
With most von Essen hotels running kitchen gardens on site, guests can often interact with chefs and experience first hand the passion and care that goes into the entire food experience across the collection of hotels.
Says Andrew Davis, chairman of von Essen hotels; “I am proud of our Michelin wins which further support our commitment to being the best in the industry. Our hotels continue to be recognised as fantastic places to visit, stay and dine at up and down the country and I am grateful to the strong and dedicated teams both front of house and in our kitchens.”
For further information please contact Peter da Silva at von Essen on 020 7978 0881 or peter.dasilva@vonessen.co.uk
