- to coincide with the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival
Yorkshire in February might seem to be an unlikely choice, but this event is going to be something really special, arranged as it is to coincide with Wakefield's annual forced rhubarb celebration, and featuring seasonal local foods. 'Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb' is internationally renowned, and ranked alongside Champagne and Parma Ham as one of Europe's Protected Foods. But don't think that this break is all about rhubarb; there is plenty more.
We will be staying at the luxurious Rudding Park Hotel, recently voted the best hotel in the UK. It is located in extensive grounds just outside Harrogate, and includes two golf courses, as well as a spa, gym and the award-winning Clocktower restaurant.
Our rooms will be available from 2.00pm on Tuesday 18th February, leaving us free to enjoy the facilities of the Hotel until 6.30pm, when we will meet for a reception and gala dinner.
The next morning, after a superb breakfast at the Hotel, we will leave for Oldroyd's forced rhubarb sheds (one of Rick Stein's Food Hero food producers), for a private tour. Janet Oldroyd-Hulme, the High Priestess of Rhubarb will take us back to 2700BC and trace rhubarb's interesting history through to the present day. We will enter the Secret World of the Rhubarb Triangle, view a crop growing in the dark sheds, and discuss present day growing techniques. Then we return to Harrogate for a short amount of free time before making our way to Betty's world-renowned tea shop for a relaxed private afternoon tea.
Some of us might not be all that hungry after tea at Betty's, so we have not arranged a formal dinner that evening. Instead you will be free to dine in the Hotel restaurant at your convenience, with the option of either three courses from the resident's menu, or two courses from the à la carte. Drinks will be at your own expense.
After breakfast on Thursday morning, we will take a pleasant drive across the North York Moors for a tour of the renowned Shepherd's Purse Creamery near Thirsk, followed by a tutored cheese tasting at the nearby Star Inn at Harome. This will be led by Judy Bell, the founder of Shepherd's Purse. The cheeses will be paired with local Ampleforth ciders and liqueurs, and accompanied by a light lunch. (A glass of wine will be available as an alternative for those who do not like cider).
In the afternoon we will pay a visit to Ampleforth itself, where there will be an opportunity to learn about beer and ciders brewed in the monastic tradition, tour the Abbey independently, or just to relax in the café if you prefer. Then we return to the Star Inn for dinner. This is ranked among the best restaurants in the North of England, and has recently been featured on the BBC's 'Best of British' TV series. Chef Andrew Pern will have prepared a special menu for us, featuring seasonal local produce, which will be accompanied by a tasting of matched wines, chosen and presented by the well-known local wine merchant Andrew Firth.
The event will end formally on Friday morning after breakfast at Rudding Park, and we will be asked to vacate our rooms by 11.00am. However, you may like to consider visiting some of the Rhubarb Festival events in Wakefield on the way home. You will be able to find details later in the year via www.experiencewakefield.co.uk .
We have been advised that the accessibility of the various venues is quite variable. Oldroyds report that the tour itself is accessible but unfortunately their toilets are not. The private room, where we will take tea, at Bettys is on the first floor (15 steps) and there is no lift. Due to the age of the building it proved impossible to install one during their recent revamp. Other venues do not report any access issues.
The price per person for the whole event, including local coach transport, meals and wine as described above, and three nights accommodation at Rudding Park, will be £635 per person for double occupancy or £790 for single.