Middletons in York was the destination for a celebration of Yorkshire women in business.
In the week of International Women’s Day it was only fitting for some of Yorkshire’s most inspiring and creative women to take time out and reflect on their achievements.
The Yorkshire Life Luncheon brought together women with rich and varied experiences from many kinds of businesses in the county to share a sociable lunch in the run up to International Women’s Day.
The venue was Middletons in York, a striking hotel groaning with history, having been created from a cluster of beautiful, historic buildings – hidden gems right in the city centre.
Some 56 individual hotel rooms are spread across six different buildings: Lady Anne House, Cromwell House, Chaplin House, Sir Joseph Terry Cottages, No.56 Skeldergate and event space, The Organ Factory. All of them are historic listed buildings.
They create a memorable destination with a mix of history and contemporary in the social areas, particularly the bar where guests were treated to a refreshing gin cocktail on arrival.
This was served with tasty canapés including chicken liver mousse bites, and smoked salmon crostini.
The menu for the luncheon was created by Middletons’ head chef, Rich Hudson and his team.
Rich is keen on using spectacular ingredients, locally sourced and served simply, letting the ingredients shine.
The starter offered up three succulent and juicy scallops which had been gently cooked, slightly caramelised from the pan and sweet in taste. A soft apple puree cream was drizzled over and the course was served with a glass of prosecco.
The main course was a mighty chunk of beef fillet, served medium rare. There was great depth of flavour from the aged meat which came accompanied with simple but flavoursome sautee potatoes, roast carrots and jus. It was accompanied by a Cote du Rhone, La Ruchette Doree.
For dessert the team created a dreamy dish of white chocolate and passionfruit puree accompanied - a glass of Sauternes dessert wine. the perfect companion.
Continuing the International Women’s Day theme, the guests were joined by York-based Liz Holmes, an acclaimed consultant for the spa industry, Pilates trainer and wellness expert.
She spoke to guests about her career, which has involved setting up luxury spas, including one at Rockliffe Hall near Darlington, as well as being a go-to in terms of the direction spas are taking in 2020 and beyond. The emphasis now is on wellness that wraps around a whole life rather than being a one-day ‘escape’, she told her audience.
The event was held on World Wildlife Day and guests were given a fitting gift by Liz Hall, owner of York-based business African Pride. u
Middletons York
Skeldergate, York, YO1 6DU
01904 611570
