Infotel Magazine February 2017

Dates for the Diary What to do, where to stay

The Guest Book This month’s top picks

2017 Edition 13

Celebrate Yorkshire From picture postcard places to prize-winning pudding!

Kilworth House Hotel Meet Head Chef Max Faulkner

Rooms for Romance Time for cupid to strike!

DISCOUNTED RATES & AMAZING OFFERS ON BUDGET TO LUXURIOUS HOTELS, SERVICED APARTMENTS & OVER

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CONTENTS

Let the food do the talking

Romantic Retreats

4 5 6 7 8 9

The Guest Book Dates for the Diary Greyfriars Arden Hotel & Leisure Club Infotel Business The Inn Boutique

10 11 12 16 18

Green Dragon Hotel Kilworth House Hotel

Rooms for Romance Let the food do the talking A Postcard from...

Yorkshire

20 21 22 24 26

Top Picks in Yorkshire The Proof is in the Pudding The Infotel Specials Oakman Inns & Restaurants Chef’s Corner

3

Infotel Partner properties ready to welcome you

Churchill Hotel North Yorkshire

Best Western Plus Stoke on Trent Moat House Staffordshire

Shellbrooke Norfolk

Yew Tree House Bed & Breakfast Bedfordshire

Lamphey Hall Hotel

Appleby Inn Hotel

Elmcroft Guest House

Pembrokeshire

Essex

Derbyshire

Westgate Hotel Oxfordshire

4

Normanhurst Hotel Cheshire

Findlays Hotel & Restaurant Aberdeenshire

DATES FOR THE DIARY

FEBRUARY 2017

What’s On? Who? Exmoor Food Fest 1 - 28 February Exeter >>

Rugby Six Nations 4 February Scotland v Ireland Edinburgh >> England v France Twickenham >>

Celtic Connections until 4 February Glasgow >>

When?

Orchid Festival 4 February - 5 March Richmond >> Cirque Du Soleil: Varekai 15 - 19 February Newcastle-upon-Tyne >> London Fashion Week 17 - 21 February London >>

Where?

Gin Festival London 17 - 19 February Tobacco Dock >>

Hull UK City of Culture Until 31 December Hull >> 5

FEATURE

Greyfriars

Colchester, Essex CO1 1UG

£120 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Located in the centre of Colchester’s cultural quarter and only a couple of minutes from the town centre, Greyfriars offers 26 well appointed rooms and suites, all designed and fitted to a five star standard.

Bespoke handcrafted furniture add to the classical yet contemporary style, with marble bath or shower rooms, under floor heating and L’Occitane toiletries bringing a touch of luxury.

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A wide range of menus, from breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and evening meals can be enjoyed in The Cloisters, which sets an Art Deco scene, The Salon, which charms with elegance, or the Rose Room which blends 18th Century panelling with 20th Century drapes and 21st Century service to create a memorable experience.

36 Private Car Park

WiFi in Public

Restaurant

Bar

Weddings

“Staff extremely attentive, rooms extremely plush” Taken from a Trip Advisor review

CCTV

24hr Reception

Air Con

Check In 3.00pm

Check Out 12.00pm

FEATURE

Arden Hotel & Leisure Club Solihull, West Midlands B92 0EH

£62 .10 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Conveniently located close to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Airport, Genting Resort World Birmingham and just six miles from Birmingham City Centre, the Arden Hotel and Leisure Club provides 216 en-suite rooms, all with flat screen TVs, free Wifi and tea and coffee making facilities. Free on-site parking is available and paid for park and fly packages can be arranged for guests.

The Burgundy Suite Restaurant serves a variety of dishes from the a la carte and table d’hôte menus with flavours from both British and International cuisines.

The Burgundy Lounge offers an extensive 24 hour menu, in a relaxed atmosphere with spacious seating, and serves cocktails and selection of fine wines, beers and spirits throughout the day and night.

250 Spaces On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

“Clean and welcoming and ideally placed for the Genting Arena” Taken from a Trip Advisor review

The on-site Arden Leisure Club offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, snooker room, as well as a fully equipped gym.

Access to the Arden Leisure Club is complimentary for all hotel residents.

Weddings/ CCTV/ 24hr Reception Parties

Airport Parking

Indoor Pool/ Gym

Check In 10.30am

Check Out 2.00pm

7

Meet the team

Babs

business

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We provide the perfect partnership for finding your work and leisure accommodation

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How to use our services Jade

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hotels@infotel.co.uk www.infotel.co.uk

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Once you’re happy with the options provided, your Infotel specialist will make the booking and you will receive confirmation via email or SMS.

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We can provide access to online management tools and information so you can monitor travel and accommodation bookings. We can also supply a bespoke online booking portal so you can enter your requirements on any internet enabled device.

01775 841184

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FEATURE

The Inn Boutique St Helier, Jersey JE2 3GR

“Everything I needed was in the room and really good breakfast choices from Continental to Full English” Taken from a Trip Advisor review

£65 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

The award winning Inn Boutique in Jersey offers beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms with excellent modern facilities.

Classic Rooms have fashionable furniture, desk/ dressing table, bathroom with The White Company toiletries, LCD TV with satellite channels, hospitality tray, free WiFi and a safe. Superior rooms have bath robes, slippers, a DVD player and complimentary mineral water.

A menu of fresh, and where possible, locally sourced ingredients, caters for fish and meat lovers as well as vegetarians.

The house speciality Seafood Espetada, which is also available as chicken and beef, guarantees satisfaction!

15 Spaces On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Private Parties

CCTV

24hr Reception

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

9

FEATURE

Green Dragon Hotel Hereford, Herefordshire HR4 9BG

£55 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

From standard single rooms through to suites and four-poster beds, The Green Dragon Hotel provides both business and leisure bookers a choice of 83 en-suite rooms, all located on the upper floors with lift access available. Free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms are standard.

The Garrick Lounge provides an ideal setting for a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea with snacks available from the Cocktail Bar. The John Spice’s Restaurant and Bar serves an all you can eat fixed priced buffet of traditional English and Indian dishes.

10

“Comfy room, good value, good location” Taken from a Trip Advisor review

35 Spaces On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Wedding Receptions

Ballroom

Luggage Storage

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

FEATURE

Kilworth House Hotel North Kilworth, Leicestershire LE17 6JE

£180 01775 843413

From £190

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Situated in thirty eight acres of beautiful, rolling parkland deep in the heart of South Leicestershire, this imposing 19th Century country house has been meticulously restored to combine Victorian charm with modern day comfort.

It also has two unique features; a stunning award-winning theatre set in a wooded glade beside a lake, and the hotel’s ornate Victorian Orangery, which is light and airy by day and glitteringly romantic by night.

all have fabulous views over the hotel and its grounds.

Antiques, artwork, period fabrics and timeless elegance, dining in two restaurants, country walks, a mini-gym, beauty treatment rooms and attentive service make Kilworth House Hotel a huge hit with business and leisure guests.

Turn to page 16 to meet Head Chef Max Faulkner

The 44 bedrooms are all individually designed and range from garden rooms, four poster and luxury,

200 Spaces On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Weddings CCTV/ 24hr Reception /Parties

Gym & Spa

Fishing

Golf

Parachute Simulator

Check In 3.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

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ROOMS FOR ROMANCE

Valentine’s Day is on the way and what’s more perfect than a night or two away with a loved one?

We’ve chosen some simply stunning hotels which set the scene for romance; cosy up with cupid in the country, be charmed in the city or head to the beach for breakfast in bed!

23 Mayfield Edinburgh

Victorian architecture provides a backdrop of sophisticated style at the award-winning 23 Mayfield, located just a mile from Edinburgh and convenient for the Castle, Princes Street and Holyrood Palace. For a chic four-poster bed stay ask for the Premier Jacobean Room or opt for the Grand Colonial and start your day with a champagne breakfast from the comfort of your own Chesterfield armchairs.

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The Alverton Hotel Truro

Open the old oak door and step into the hidden secret of The Alverton Hotel in Truro. A Grade II listed building, which was previously a convent, is now bursting with romance. From the old bell tower to the arched mullioned windows and hidden hideaways, it’s a real heart stopper!

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12

ROOMS FOR ROMANCE

Rowley Manor Hotel Hull

Combine City of Culture celebrations with a stay in the traditional and tasteful Rowley Manor Hotel where log fires warm the winter days and magnificent views over 34 acres of lawns, rose gardens and parkland promise Spring is just around the corner.

The sixteen en-suite bedrooms range from classic doubles through to four poster bed deluxe rooms and the restaurant serves a delicious menu certain to satisfy meat and fish lovers along with vegetarians. Heart meltingly delicious!

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Queensberry Hotel & Olive Tree Restaurant Bath

A privately owned, luxurious and contemporary boutique hotel in the centre of the Georgian City of Bath offering an elegant, sophisticated stay.

The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant has 29 individually designed bedrooms, ranging from classic and club rooms to a stunning four poster suite with its generous L shaped seating area overlooking Russell Square, double walk through shower and chaise longue.

There are several stylish drawing rooms to sit back and relax in for a pre-dinner drink and the celebrated Olive Tree Restaurant serves the finest modern British cuisine, sourced locally from farms in and around Bath.

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13

ROOMS FOR ROMANCE

Hallmark Hotel Flitwick Manor Bedford

A long, winding drive makes an impressive welcome to Hallmark Hotel Flitwick Manor, a classic 18th Century manor house with 21st Century comforts.

The 18 bedrooms are individually styled with fine antique and period furniture creating the perfect place for romance to rule. Super stylish lounges for relaxation, attentive service and a fabulous dining room with traditional wood panelling, candlelight and views across the terrace and garden create a romantic backdrop for an award-winning culinary experience to be lingered over.

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Stoke Rochford Hall Grantham

Formal landscaped gardens and 28 acres of parkland surround the magnificent Grade I listed Victorian mansion, Stoke Rochford Hall, near Grantham.

Choose one of the Junior Suites for extensive period furniture, high ceilings and a little extra luxury with a comfortable lounge area and captivating views, and a premium feature bathroom. Perfect for bubbles!

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14

ROOMS FOR ROMANCE

Bridgehouse Hotel Beaminster

Dating from 13th Century, the Bridge House Boutique Hotel and Restaurant is a magical Dorset country house full of character. Originally a clergy house, the hotel and restaurant has its own unique style which is sympathetic to its heritage, while providing all modern day comforts.

Luxury rooms in the main house or Coach House are individually designed, from cool modern to classic English, all with en-suite bathrooms and Molton Brown toiletries.

Food is a great obsession at Bridge House, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and wines paired up to compliment the menu impeccably - just like a loving couple!

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For more romantic retreats click one of the following categories

Coastal Retreats

Castles & Stately Homes

Boutique Breaks

INTERVIEW

Let the food do the talking

16

Max Faulkner is Head Chef at Kilworth House Hotel in Leicestershire, where he’s been responsible for the fabulous menu for the last four years.

Image by Ann Larie Valentine from San Francisco, CA, USA (Thomas Keller schools us on everything) CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

INTERVIEW What made you want to be a chef and how long have you been doing it?

Growing up I always wanted to be involved with sport in some way. While I was at school I took apart-time job in a restaurant as a kitchen porter and helping with prep during the day.

I thrived on the buzz of a manic kitchen service and loved it so much, I couldn’t wait to leave school and become a chef. I’ve been cooking for 12 years now.

The #shelfie - a chef’s five must have herbs and spices always available on the shelf!

What are yours and why?

Coriander, saffron, dashi powder, smoked salt and lemon grass. I love Asian ingredients.

I always try to incorporate some of them into my menus if they work in a dish.

What do you look for when you create a new dish or menu? What’s your main considerations?

Seasonality is key to what we do. If the ingredient isn’t in season we won’t use it on our menu.

What’s proving to be the most popular dish on your menu this month and why do you think that is?

We have a steak tartare dish on the menu at the moment, with a smoked egg yolk purée.

We dress the meat with yuzu, which is a Japanese citrus fruit that really cuts through the richness of the smoked yolk. It’s a great dish and our customers seem to love it too.

When you go home, who does the cooking?

Are you territorial in the kitchen!?

I do all the cooking when I’m off. I’m obsessed with food and flavour!

Do any celebrity chefs inspire you? And if you had to compare yourself to one, who would you say you most resemble in terms of cooking style and/or temperament?

Thomas Keller. His French laundry cook book was the first I ever brought and 12 years later, I still read this if I need some extra inspiration.

Which famous person, dead or alive, would you love to cook for and what would you serve them?

Alex Ferguson. I’m a massive Manchester United fan. He is a god in my eyes and a big lover of red wine so something to compliment the wine, maybe a nice Beef Wellington.

If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed one item or ingredient from your kitchen, what would it be and why?

Gin. What else is better than laying on a beach with a gin and tonic!

What’s your favourite cuisine and why?

I don’t really have a favourite but Asian inspired food is well up there! The in-depth flavour created from using a few simple ingredients is amazing. Japan is on my list of places to visit for some real food inspiration.

You’re sharing a recipe with our readers today, why did you choose this one?

Steak tartare, yuzu, pickles and smoked egg yolk purée. This is my take on a classic and has been well received on our menu.

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A POSTCARD FROM...

YORKSHIRE The picturesque and often dramatic countryside of Yorkshire is known to millions as God’s Own County.

Noted for its scenic views, from rugged heritage coastal areas to the wildness of the Moors, the beauty of the Dales and its stone built villages, to the breath-taking views from the Peak District, there’s a piece of Yorkshire that’s perfect for you.

The Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside are among the best known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Every year people reach the top of at least one, and many conquer all three summits but if you’re after something a little gentler, there’s some great short walks around Ribblehead, which take in the scenery and history of the area.

If you’d prefer to just sit back and take it all in, the Settle-Carlisle railway journey promises to deliver on all levels. Arguably one of the most scenic inland railway routes in Britain, it suffered a land slip last February closing some of the line. A £23million engineering project which included building an enormous concrete and steel construction sitting beneath the railway, is now nearing completion and the line will be back in action from the end of March.

To mark the reopening, The Flying Scotsman will be the first train to haul passengers along the new track. If you need to get a steam-fix before then, from 12 - 14 February the 60163 Tornado will be on track from Appleby to Skipton.

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Image by Thomas Tolkien from Scarborough, UK CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

The North York Moors National Park is of national and international importance because of its special habitat and the plants and animals it supports. In early summer, visitors can hear the call of moorland birds, such as red grouse, curlew and golden plover. As the summer evenings start to draw in, the flowering heather turns the moors into a mile after mile carpet of purple while winter heralds mist and rising clouds with dustings of frost and snow.

If you prefer your own pedal power, there are many miles of country roads, bridleways, forest tracks and disused railway lines, plus dedicated cycling centres at Sutton Bank and Dalby Forest.

Although it looks wild and empty, most of the moors are carefully managed by farmers and landowners, making a living from sheep farming and grouse shooting.

Overflowing with mini adventures and maritime curiosities, the 26 mile strip of heritage coastline consists of picture-postcard fishing villages and fossil findings.

From Scarborough to Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, towering cliffs, rocky shores, steep wooded valleys, sheltered bays and sandy beaches set the scene for rambling and discovery.

Alternatively saddle up with some horse power and follow one of the many tracks the Forestry Commission has opened up for horse riding.

Whatever you chose to do, wherever your begin your adventure, our Yorkshire Collection provides an extensive range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

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Cycling Image by Michael Ely [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Horse Riding Image by Š Copyright Karl and Ali and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

A POSTCARD FROM...

TOP PICKS

VISITING YORKSHIRE Here’s our top picks for a place to stay >> Quebecs, Leeds >>

Innkeepers Lodge Ilkley The Cow & Calf, Ilkley >>

The Unicorn, Skipton >> White Horse Farm Inn, Pickering >>

The Old Mill Bed & Breakfast, Driffield >>

The Parsonage Hotel & Spa, York >>

Crathorne Hall Hotel, Middlesbrough >> Cottage Lea’s Hotel Formerly Tantara, Pickering >>

Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough >>

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Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel, York >>

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PRIZE WINNING YORKSHIRE PUDDING

The Proof is in the Pudding!

Sunday 5 February is National Yorkshire Pudding Day! If you’re dreaming of roast beef with all the trimmings, then you’ll want this prize-winning recipe courtesy of Christopher Blackburn, the founder and creative force behind the Yorkshire Pudd blog.

He’s the reigning UK Yorkshire Pudding Champion, has featured on The One Show, filmed with Mary Berry, and starred in ITV’s Food Glorious Food and Country House Sunday.

So the proof is always in the pudding and expert food and restaurant critics have crowned Christopher’s pudding a winner not once, but twice! Enjoy!

Ingredients • 225g plain flour • 300ml milk • 4 eggs • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp white pepper

Method Sift flour and salt in to a large bowl and add the beaten eggs* and half the milk.

Whisk until it resembles a very smooth wallpaper paste then add the rest of the milk and whisk to form the batter.

Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or place into the fridge for 10 minutes.

Put a muffin tray with ½ tsp of beef dripping in each hole in the oven at the highest possible temperature (normally 270°) until your hear the oven click and reach temperature.

Remove the muffin tray and pour in batter (about ½ to ¾ way up each hole).

Place the tray back into the oven and reduce temperature immediately to 230°.

Bake for 20 minutes. *Tip! When you whisk the eggs do it softly. It will only take a few minutes and the egg yolk and white won’t be totally combined but they will provide the ‘glue’ which makes them rise and stay together!

For more recipes from Yorkshire Pudd visit: 21

SPECIALS

Romantic Retreats

Check out this month’s specials perfect for Valentine’s Day

Best Western Reigate Manor Hotel Reigate 20% Off Weekends VIEW DETAILS

Silverbirch Hotel Omagh Valentine’s Treat!

VIEW DETAILS

Hunters Meet Hotel, Spa & Leisure Bishops Stortford Pamper Stays!

VIEW DETAILS

Latest Special Offers

Check out this month’s latest offers perfect for a break away

The Swan

Wotton-under-Edge

Save with a stay on a Sunday VIEW OFFER

22

The Winchester Hotel Port Hotel & Spa Dinorwic Winchester

Y Felinheli

20% Saver

Up to 20% off

VIEW OFFER

ENQUIRE

VIEW OFFER

01775 843413

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

SPECIALS

Romantic Retreats More Valentine’s Day specials

Ravensworth Arms Hotel Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Royal Highland Hotel Inverness

Valentine’s Menu

Highland Hospitality

VIEW DETAILS

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Best Western Grosvenor Hotel Statford-upon-Avon

Comfy & Cosy Offer VIEW DETAILS

Latest Special Offers

Check out this month’s latest offers perfect for a break away

Atlantic Hotel St Ives

Massive Savings!

VIEW OFFER

ENQUIRE

Innkeepers Lodge Loch Lomond Balloch

New Westcliff Hotel

Stay and Save!

Early Booking Deals

VIEW OFFER

01775 843413

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Bournemouth

VIEW OFFER

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GROUP With a growing collection of properties, the award-winning Oakman Inns and Restaurants are guided by a simple philosophy; they care about people, produce and their surroundings.

VIEW GROUP

Dedicated to high quality and authentic ingredients, honest presentation and great service, they also care about the world we live in, both within local communities and in terms of doing what’s right for the planet - whether it’s their use of ethically sourced, British meat, free-range eggs, local beers or printing menus on FSC-approved paper.

Kings Arms Hotel

The Kings Arms in Berkhamsted is a former 18th Century coaching house.

Enjoy the enormous open fire with your favourite tipple or escape to the tucked-away terrace for tea or coffee.

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The Globe Luxurious bedrooms, each strikingly designed and extremely comfortable, in this former posting house tucked between Warwick Castle and Market Place.

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GROUP

The Blue Boar A cosy night in the Cotswold with a choice of 20 en-suite bedrooms with super comfy beds, lots of individual character and homely touches to make a stay memorable.

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Crown & Thistle Hotel Boutique bedrooms, a cosy pub and a stylish restaurant set in three individual buildings clustered around a cobbled courtyard with a 200 year old wisteria.

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Banyers House

No two bedrooms are alike at Banyers House. Each of the air-conditioned guest rooms blend the character of antique beams, exposed brickwork, wood panelling and wallpapers created

by British designers.

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CHEF’S CORNER

Steak tartare, yuzu, pickles, smoked egg yolk purée.

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By Max Faulkner Serves one

CHEF’S CORNER GROUP

Image by Nikita from Russian Federation (Yuzu oranges) CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Steak tartare, yuzu, pickles, smoked egg yolk purée.

For the smoked egg yolk purée • 200ml pasteurised egg yolk • 10ml sherry vinegar • 1 tsp smoke powder • 20ml water • 10g ultratex (modified corn starch used to thicken liquids) For the golden panco bread crumb • 100g Japanese panco bread crumb • 50g butter For the pickles • 100g shimeji mushroom • 1 red onion • 250ml white wine vinegar • 250g sugar • 1 star anise • 5g pink pepper corns

Method Start by making the egg yolk purée In a blender place the egg yolks, water, sherry vinegar and smoke powder and blend at low speed until all the ingredients have combined. Speed up the blender and slowly add the ultratex.

This will thicken the egg yolk to a purée like consistency. Season with salt and pepper and set aside in the fridge until needed.

For the golden panco crumb Melt the butter in a saucepan, remove from the stove and add the bread crumbs.

Mix until all the bread crumbs are coated with butter. Place on a non-stick tray and bake for 3 minutes at 170° until golden and crisp. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

For the pickles In a saucepan add the pepper corns, star anise, vinegar and sugar. Place on the stove on a medium heat. While this is coming to the boil, remove the shimeji mushroom from the stalks.

Peel and slice the red onion to your desired shape. Place in a metal bowl and pour over the boiled liquor. Refrigerate overnight before use.

For the tartare • 1 fillet of beef • 1tbls sour cream • 10g chives • 10ml yuzu juice (a Japanese citrus fruit).

• 2g wasabi paste To garnish • Lemon sorrel • Nasturtium leaves

For the tartare Dice the beef in to small cubes. Place in a bowl and add the sour cream, wasabi paste and yuzu juice.

Finely chop the chives and add to the mix.

Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

To assemble the dish Place the tartar in a ring in the middle of the plate. Top with the golden bread crumbs. Serve with a spoonful of the smoked egg yolk.

I like to garnish with lemon sorrel and nasturtium for a peppery citrus flavour.

To enjoy all of Max’s dishes, book a stay at Kilworth Hall Hotel >> 27

Three of the UK’s most romantic destinations

The Lake District >>

Stratford-upon-Avon >>

Cornwall >>

DISCOUNTED RATES & AMAZING OFFERS ON BUDGET TO LUXURIOUS HOTELS, SERVICED APARTMENTS & OVER

910,000 PROPERTIES

infotel.co.uk In Next Month’s Edition...

WORLDWIDE

01775 843413

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COLLECTIONS

Mother’s Day, Easter Escapes, The Grand National...