A country house that once welcomed royalty is set to open its doors once more as an exclusive hideaway, with the help of a leading chef
The multi-million pound restoration project at the historic country retreat of Grantley Hall, near Ripon is almost complete, ready for opening this spring as a luxury hotel. And owners, the Yorkshire-based Sykes family, have just announced a partnership with award-winning chef Shaun Rankin, who will oversee fine dining at the hall.
A new kitchen garden is being developed, complete with bee hives and fruit trees, to supply fresh produce at the request of the Yorkshire-born chef, who gained his first Michelin star in 2005.
The restaurant, named Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, has views over formal gardens and will have crockery and glassware specially designed to reflect the hall’s countryside surroundings. One of the highlights will be a Chef’s Table where adventurous amateur chefs will be invited to help cook for their table. Signature dishes will include Yorkshire rhubarb crumble soufflé with rosehip and iced clotted cream. ‘I’m really excited about being back in Yorkshire to launch the new signature fine dining restaurant at Grantley Hall,’ says Rankin.
‘I’ve really enjoyed working with the team on creating the vision for the restaurant which draws inspiration from the surrounding countryside,
‘We’re creating something truly special and can’t wait to see everything come to life in late spring.’
Owners say they aim to shake-up the culinary scene in North Yorkshire. In addition to the fine dining, there is to be a Pan-Asian dining experience; a relaxed all-day dining restaurant; The Drawing Room, serving quintessential British afternoon tea, and a spa lounge offering nutritious light meals and snacks.
Andrew McPherson, general manager, says: ‘We are very proud of our rich local heritage and believe Grantley Hall will be one of the UK’s most prestigious five-star luxury retreat experiences, combining the rich heritage and 17th century splendour of the original hall with beautiful interior design and an exceptional range of leisure and dining facilities, all set in the picturesque surroundings of the glorious Yorkshire countryside.’
About Shaun Rankin
Rankin has worked all over the world in restaurants as close to home as Darlington and as far afield as Chicago and Australia. The majority of his career has been spent in Jersey, in the Channel Islands where he spent eight years at the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Longueville Manor, followed by the establishment’s sister restaurant Sumas.
In 2003 he joined Bohemia restaurant in Jersey as head chef, gaining his first Michelin star in 2005. Rankin opened his own restaurant, Ormer, in 2013 in the island’s capital, St Helier which was awarded its first Michelin star four months after opening in 2014, as well as being additionally credited with three AA rosettes a few months later.
Rankin launched the restaurant at the members’ club 12 Hay Hill, in London’s Mayfair, when it opened in 2015.
He has made numerous TV appearances including 2017 Masterchef UK when Ormer Mayfair was featured as a location for the programme, with contestants being mentored by the chef. Rankin launched his first recipe book in 2011, Shaun Rankin’s Seasoned Islands, including more than 75 recipes inspired by the Channel Islands.
Rankin honed his skills at The Mayfair Hotel in London and attended the Thames Valley University at Slough. He returned to Yorkshire in 1992, after three years in London, and took a position as chef de partie at the Black Bull Inn in Moulton.
About Grantley Hall
Grantley Hall, a Grade II listed property, was built by Thomas Norton and his son Fletcher Norton, first Baron Grantley, in the 17th century, based on a Palladian design by English architect Isaac Ware. It is set on its own private island, complete with a lake and English Heritage listed Japanese garden.
Over the years, the property became firmly established on the British country retreat scene, welcoming high profile guests including Queen Mary and the Princess Royal, prominent international businessmen, politicians and society families. It is undergoing a major restoration project to open as a luxury hotel and wellness retreat with 47 rooms and suites plus a wedding and banqueting suite, private event spaces as well as a spa and gym.
At least 180 jobs will be created and a learning and development academy will be established for Grantley Hall employees. Dedicated staff accommodation will be developed with 49 en suite bedrooms, several kitchens, informal lounge areas, a fully-equipped gym, laundry and an outdoor seating area.
