STATELY HOME’S SIZZLING NEW BAR AND GRILL

Spring 2010 will see the opening of a 60 seat restaurant in the grounds of a Midlands stately home providing picture-perfect surroundings in which to enjoy high quality, locally-sourced food and drink.

Weston Park has begun work on its latest business venture, The Granary Bar and Grill, which completes the final phase of its restoration programme. The ambitious development project has already seen the transformation of part of the disused building into a ground floor farm shop and an art gallery, created in the eaves of the building.

The restaurant will be located in the old malting house of the restored 18th century Granary building and will provide a modern British menu incorporating the region’s finest produce.

The new Bar and Grill will feature a spilt level seating area and will provide diners with views over the pools, as well as the estate’s church and cottages. The state-of-the-art open plan kitchen and preparation areas will be located in the former slaughter house.

The restaurant development will complete the estate’s dining repertoire allowing more visitors the opportunity to enjoy great food at everyday prices as Colin Sweeney, Weston Park’s Chief Executive explains.

He said: “Our latest project will complete the Weston Park all year round experience bringing the very best of locally sourced food and drink to the heart of our customers. It complements beautifully our fine dining occasions in the main house and our more informal style in the stables coffee bar.”

Weston Park hosts a number of public events throughout the year in its 1,000 acres of parkland including the popular V Festival and the Midland Game Fair. The House, gardens and parkland is open to the public throughout the summer offering a children’s Adventure Playground, woodland walks, lakes and follies.

As the former home to the Earls of Bradford, the estate is held in trust for the nation by the Weston Park Foundation. All profits from commercial activities directly fund the on-going preservation of the estate for future generations.

The Granary Farm Shop and Gallery is open seven days a week stocking locally produced food and drink and is free to enter.

For further information contact Sue foster at Connect PR on 01952 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

STATELY HOME CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION

Weston Park has un-wrapped a host of festive treats which are set to delight and entertain all the family.

Visitors can dine by candlelight, do lunch in the Orangery, take a ride on the Santa train, stay overnight in the stately home and purchase the Christmas turkey and seasonal goodies from the Granary Farm Shop.

New for 2009, the stately home on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border will host a Weston by Candlelight evening, taking place on Thursday 17th December. Starting with a glass of mulled wine guests will enjoy a three-course dinner in the stunning Dining Room surrounded by original works by Van Dyck and Lely.

Entertained by the Heart of England Strings the evening will conclude with selection of Christmas carols.

The new Christmas Lunch in the Orangery provides a stunning setting for office parties or a relaxing location for gatherings with family and friends.

The Santa Special train will take children through the wintery woods in the Weston Park Estate to meet Santa in his grotto where they can personally deliver their Christmas lists and receive a gift. The train will run every weekend during December (except 26th and 27th).

The Christmas Food and Craft Fayre, held in the Granary Farm Shop on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, will showcase the finest local produce. The Fayre will offer an array of festive delights and provide an ideal opportunity to sample a selection of regional produce on sale in the shop.

In addition, customers will be able to pre-order their meats, cheeses and groceries easing the stress associated with Christmas shopping, safe in the knowledge that their seasonal meal has been prepared, cooked, matured or grown in their local area.

The popular four course dining and overnight accommodation in the stately home is set to return offering a first class cuisine and luxurious mini break as Andrea Webster, Weston Park’s marketing executive explains.

She said: “Everyone likes to celebrate Christmas in a different way and we feel Weston Park has so much to offer that we have created a comprehensive festive calendar to cater for all ages and budgets.”

The Christmas Food & Craft Fayre is free to enter.

The Weston by Candlelight, dinner in the House costs £60 per person and includes a three-course meal, a welcome drink on arrival and entertainment.

Traditional Christmas Dining costs £75 per person and includes a four-course dinner, coffee and chocolate truffles and entertainment. Bed and breakfast in the House is £160 per room.

Tickets for the Santa Special is £7.00 for adults and £9.00 for children (12 and under).

For further information on all Christmas events at Weston Park visit: www.weston-park.com.

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com