Recently, we were thrilled to welcome Raymond Blanc back to Hambleton. His special dinner, prepared with Aaron Patterson, was due to have taken place in 2020 and sadly cancelled due to “lock-down”. We apologise to all those whom we were unable to accommodate. This dinner was entirely sold out to those who booked the original event.

Aaron started his career as an apprentice at Hambleton before leaving to work under Raymond Blanc at his two Michelin starred restaurant, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat ‘Saisons, as well a number of other high profile kitchens, before returning to Hambleton as head chef. For Aaron, the period spent at Le Manoir was a crucial stepping stone to his success. He found in Raymond an inspiration and a mentor whom he has never forgotten. The 4 course dinner menu Raymond and Aaron created was delicious, paired with exceptional wines selected by sommelier Dominque.

Whilst staying at Hambleton, Raymond and Tim Hart had a few moments to chat about the restaurant industry, please see the full video here:

And then there was time for the long standing friends, Aaron and Raymond to catch up, please see the full video here:

Menu

Starter – Beetroot Terrine,

Once again this May, our stunning outdoor swimming pool will open for our guests just as the temperature starts to rise and a refreshing dip is called for after a long walk.

The pool is one of many amenities made available to residents staying overnight and provides a perfect opportunity to have a swim or to simply admire the beautiful gardens and views. It is heated to make swimming comfortable for all guests and has a private changing room.

The pool will remain open until the 30th of September, so book far in advance to guarantee your room and don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

What is it like to live in a castle filled with priceless art and royal thrones? Why not ask trustee Major Sebastian St Maur Miller as you enjoy a private tour of the majestic Grimsthorpe Castle thanks to a unique collaboration organised by Hambleton Hall. You will also be joined by Emma Miller, Collections Manager of Grimsthorpe, who will guide you around the estate’s magnificent collection of art and one of the largest collections of royal thrones and furnishings outside the Royal Palaces.

Grimsthorpe Castle is the final masterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh, known for Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. This 16th century estate was presented by Henry VIII as a wedding gift to William, 11th Lord Willoughby de Eresby and Maria de Salinas, lady-in-waiting and confidante of Henry’s Queen, Katherine of Aragon. The ownership of Grimsthorpe has remained in successive generations of the same family united under one ancient title, the Barony of Willoughby de Eresby.

Hambleton Hall in Rutland is located close to many of the country’s most interesting private homes containing incredible art and sculpture collections. Hambleton’s owner Tim Hart has been fascinated by these historic houses for decades and has authored an informative guide, available here

On 1^st July 2020 Hambleton Hall celebrated its 40th birthday. Tim and Stefa Hart, the couple who set up Hambleton Hall in 1980 are still directly involved in the management of the hotel and led the anniversary celebrations.

“I feel fortunate that I left banking early in my career and went into the hospitality business. It has brought us enormous pleasure every year. Although the hotel has remained small with 17 bedrooms and one restaurant since the outset, we have continually evolved each area to reflect changing guest needs which has renewed enthusiasm and motivation.” Tim summarises.

Each year we create new dishes in the kitchen and redecorate a bedroom or reception room. In 2010 we started Hambleton Bakery to provide bread for the hotel and retail shops in the area. In 2015 we built the 2-bedroom Croquet Pavilion. Last year we redesigned the 1-acre kitchen garden to incorporate a new greenhouse, raised beds, and additional fruit trees. This year we demolished the kitchen to make way for a new one having calculated that 572,000 meals had emerged over the last 26 years. Now the old Bonnet range has been scrapped and a new Athanor has been installed.”

Choosing

What a phrase, what a statement! But it’s one that we can stand by with absolute confidence.

If you’re not already in the know, Pride of Britain Hotels is a collection of independently owned boutique and luxury hotels throughout, you guessed it, Britain. With never more than 50 members, it’s a rather elite group, and it’s one we have been part of since 2013.

Pride of Britain Hotels is a diverse consortium that ranges from intimate hotels with just a handful of rooms to as-far-as-the-eye-can-see estates with rooms running into three figures. They’re located everywhere from bustling city streets to the peace and seclusion of the remote countryside. In style they could be anything from rustic chic and traditionally elegant to cutting-edge modern. Periods range from baronial, part medieval, art deco, Arts and Crafts, Georgian, Victorian and Modernist. It’s probably fair to say that the one common thread that joins this group together is a commitment to ‘the art of great hospitality’.

Each hotel is unique yet representative of hospitality, accommodation, location and a guest experience that’s quite simply, second to none. Whether you walk out of a Pride of Britain hotel to the peaceful shores of Rutland Water, as