One of the really nice things that’s come about as part of this project is the new children’s menu. As a business we’re really keen to work closely with the local community and local schools and we thought that asking local school children what they would like to see on a children’s menu would be a fun way to do it and a good way to listen to our customers. So, we invited children from the Key Stage 2 age group to design their own menu.

We put a competition together asking for 3 starters and 3 main courses with emphasis on using local, seasonal produce, because that’s what Peckforton Castle’s all about, and we sent it to schools within about a 10-mile radius.

The response was fantastic. Teachers told us they thought it was a great idea and the children were really enthusiastic about it. Our Head Chef Mark Ellis went to a few schools and talked to the children about the competition, Peckforton Castle and how we work with local producers.

When we started going through all the entries we were literally blown away by the effort made by the children – and no doubt some helpful parents – and the talent they’ve got! We had originally decided to award the winner a prize of a meal for 4 in the new Twenty10 Brasserie when it opens in July, plus a trip to Peckforton Castle with a tour, falconry display and picnic for the winner’s class, but when it came to judging it turned out differently because of the high standard of entries.

In the end we decided to have 2 joint first winners, both from Tarporley CofE Primary School. We’re using one for the actual design of the menu and the other for the starters and main course suggestions and there’ll be 2 classes that come for a trip to the Castle.

We can’t wait to see the menu all printed up and in action in the Twenty10 Brasserie and of course the 1851 Restaurant. So, when you see it you’ll now know the lovely story behind it!

Huge thanks to everyone who took part; teachers, parents and children.

See you soon, have a lovely bank holiday.

No doubt the next instalment will be all about the new facilities! Can’t wait for you to see them.

We’ve been considering what to put on the brasserie menu and when it came to the children’s menu we thought it might be nice for local children to decide what they want to see on their menu, so we’re running a competition with local schools. It’s for 7 to 11 year olds and from the feedback we’ve received, it’s gone down really well and the children are all geared up for it. It’s great to be working with the local community in this way and we want as many of you from our local community to get involved with your local castle.

So, if you know of a child in Key Stage 2 from a local school, please make sure they and their teacher know about it. We’re pretty sure we’ve contacted everyone, but you never know.

We’re asking the children to suggest their ideal menu – a choice from 3 starters and 3 mains.

The winner will receive a great prize. We’ll invite the winner’s class to the Castle for a trip including transport to and from their school, a tour of the Castle, a nice picnic and a falconry session. Plus, the winner plus 3 people will be invited for a meal in the brasserie to east something from his or her menu!

As you might know, our 1851 Restaurant has won some awards for the quality of its dining experience, which covers everything from field to plate to stomach. We like to use the best local produce as far as possible. It’s the best thing to do for so many reasons. We figured on that basis we’d like to get children involved in putting their own menu together.

So, if you wouldn’t mind, if you know any local Key Stage 2 pupils and teachers please mention it to them
Thanks.

What you may not know a lot about is our renovation project. That’s right folks; we’re getting even bigger and better. We currently only use 60% of the castle for the hotel and we’re in the process of renovating a further 20%. Worked started last month, so it’s hard hats and toe steel capped boots all the way. Amazingly, you can hardly tell there’s any renovation work going on as it’s all taking place ticked well behind where our birds of prey sit outside.
We’re bringing you a brand new brasserie, 10 new en-suite bedrooms and a couple of beauty treatment rooms. The brasserie will allow us to offer some stylish, informal dining. Those of you who’ve eaten in our 1851 Restaurant – holder of 2 AA Rosettes, don’t you know – will be aware that it’s a real fine dining experience and it’s certainly very special, but there are times when you just want a bacon sandwich and watch Sky Sports. Well, as from about May you’ll be able to do that. How exciting!!!
The bedrooms and beauty treatment rooms will be ready in about July and once everything is done and dusted we’ll be holding a couple of launch events and we’d seriously love you to come, so watch this space in the future for dates and RSVP details. We’re investing heavily in this renovation and we want to make it the best it can be, so your support for the launch will be greatly appreciated.
Before I go, just an update on our Valentine’s Weekend, which is almost here. Bookings have gone really well and we’re practically sold out of accommodation. Chef is busy flexing his culinary muscles getting ready to wow all you romantic diners. It’s going to be great. Thanks to those of you who’ve booked…and to those who haven’t for whatever reason, don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day next month (details on our website and Facebook page) and you’re still in time to book for that.
By the way, just in case you didn’t know we offer a loyalty card whereby you get 10% off in the restaurant. Ask us about it next time you’re in.

More soon! Enjoy the rest of the week and Happy Valentine’s!
PS: We had a great time on Sunday night at Wes Brown’s charity poker night. Thanks to our special guests for joining us. We managed to raise a decent amount of money for a great cause.