Local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is holding a murder mystery dinner evening to raise vital funds for a variety of projects that will benefit the landscape and communities of the Yorkshire Dales.

The event is being hosted by The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel at Bolton Abbey, who chose the Trust as their charity partner of the year for 2011 - 12.

The entertainment will be provided by the award-winning After Dark murder mystery company, based in Lancaster.

Guests are invited to witness the evidence as the Agatha Christie-inspired plot unfolds before them. There will also be the opportunity to interrogate the suspects in order to get to the bottom of the murderous crime that has occurred. After a hot buffet and some final detective work, the evening will draw to a close with the killer being revealed and trophies awarded to the top sleuths.

There will also be a raffle to raise extra funds for the charity, with prizes including an overnight stay at The Devonshire Arms County House Hotel, kindly donated free of charge by the hotel. The prize includes dinner in the Michelin-starred Burlington restaurant and a bottle of wine chosen by the Cellar Master to accompany the meal.

David Sharrod, YDMT Director says, "We are very grateful to The Devonshire Arms and to the After Dark murder company for making this event possible. This promises to be an unforgettable evening with delicious food, singing, dancing, an array of madcap suspects and a confounding crime to solve. So join us to see if you can solve the deadly mystery, and maybe even be crowned Super Sleuth! Places are limited, so please get in touch to book your tickets soon."

The murder mystery dinner takes place at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, Bolton Abbey on Thursday 15th March, starting at 7pm. Tables and individual tickets are available to book now.

Tickets cost £25 per person including a hot buffet, and all money raised will help the charity to continue work such as restoring wildflower meadows, planting new native woodlands, supporting local businesses, education and outreach work, and providing training programmes for young local people wishing to learn countryside management skills.

For ticket sales and more information please contact Sarah at YDMT on 015242 51002 or by emailing media@ydmt.org.

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel & Spa has recently appointed Andrew Mackay as its new General Manager.

“I am obviously overjoyed with this amazing opportunity to come to The Devonshire Arms and work at such a fantastic property” says Andrew. “The privilege comes with a huge advantage in that I have returned to my Yorkshire roots.  My main aim is to build on the many wonderful things that the hotel has already achieved, and I look forward to seeing some of my own ideas come into fruition as the business continues to develop.”

Andrew has over 18 years experience of working in the luxury hospitality sector.  Prior to joining The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, Andrew was the General Manager at the Michelin star hotel, The Samling in Windermere.

Andrew started his career at the five star hotel, The Bath Spa in Somerset.  Since then he has worked for a succession of prestigious and highly awarded establishments throughout the UK.

The Duke of Devonshire says; “We are delighted to welcome Andrew Mackay to Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants, he has a wealth of experience in some of the country’s top red star hotels, and I know that he will thrive in his new role.  Andrew joins us in the run-up to the busy festive season, giving our guests plenty of opportunity to meet the new General Manager.”

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, which is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is located on the picturesque 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate.  The hotel offers 40 bedrooms and two restaurants.  In addition to its coveted Michelin star, The Burlington Restaurant boasts 4 AA rosettes, which is the highest rating in Yorkshire for 2012.

The Devonshire Brasserie and Bar's annual bonfire night attracted a massive audience of just under 3,000 who gathered to celebrate Guy Fawkes' Night in the grounds of The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey culminating in a spectacular firework display. £3,482.00 was raised for The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, the hotel's designated charity, being a combination of ticket sales and donations on the night.

Originally started as a community event for staff and locals living on the Bolton Abbey Estate, the annual bonfire night and firework display has grown to attract spectators from far and wide including guests who come to stay especially for the event.

Brasserie Manager Nick Joannou said, A huge thank you to all the staff for their hard work and all the visitors who supported the event. This is our largest party of the year and everyone really enjoys it. Local schools take part in our 'Make the Guy' competition which they do in conjunction with their history lessons, with the winning guys coming to the hotel.

He continued, It's a real family occasion with marquees for refreshments, children's entertainment and a disco. Each year we give £1 for every ticket sold to the hotel's designated charity, this year being the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust which helps to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Yorkshire Dales.

David Sharrod, Director at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust commented, I'd like to say a big thank you to The Devonshire Arms for supporting our work through this year's bonfire. Through their ongoing support and the generosity of the guests on the night, a tremendous amount of money was raised. Every penny will help us to continue our vital work across the Dales; restoring wildflower meadows, planting new native trees, supporting local businesses, education and outreach work, and much more besides.

Following the publication of the Michelin Guide today, 6 October 2011, The Burlington is delighted to have retained its treasured Michelin star for the fourth year, making it one of six restaurants in Yorkshire to have achieved star status.

In addition to the coveted Michelin star and a score of 6 in the Good Food Guide 2012, The Burlington boasts 4 AA rosettes, which is the highest rating in Yorkshire for 2011 and 2012.

Head Chef Steve Smith rapidly achieved Michelin star status for The Burlington when he joined the restaurant in 2008, continuing his unblemished record of the past 10 years.

Steve Smith has developed a first class British menu, inspired by seasonal produce, which has been dubbed "haute cuisine Yorkshire style". The Devonshire Arms is also renowned for having one of the finest wine lists in the country with over 2,000 bins, and an impressive Champagne list.

Guests can enjoy exceptional food and drink whilst enjoying The Burlington's elegant decor. The restaurant is dressed with classic architectural drawings. A bright, airy conservatory means guests can enjoy the summer rays or have a romantic dinner under the stars.

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel & Barn is situated on the Duke of Devonshire's picturesque 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales. Guests can enjoy 80 miles of idyllic country walks encompassing the stunning 12th Century Augustinian priory ruins and peaceful fishing spots.

The hotel's 40 bedrooms, including seven with four-poster beds, and two suites, have been individually decorated by the Duchess of Devonshire. Prices start from £124 per person, per night, based on two sharing.

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire BD23 6AJ
Reservations on 01756 718111 or visit www.thedevonshirearms.co.uk

Visit our Burlington Restaurant page...

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For further information and photography, please contact:
Lauren Trinder or Alison Hull at Luxe Public Relations on 020 7313 4501 or lauren@luxepr.com

When Adel Simpson was looking where to celebrate her 100th birthday the choice was quite straight forward. Nothing but the best for her and her family as they headed to The Burlington restaurant at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, Yorkshire's highest rated restaurant to honour this very special occasion. Mrs Simpson is well-known to the staff at The Burlington and they were delighted to be part of such an exciting celebration which started off with champagne in the cocktail lounge, with the compliments of The Devonshire Arms, before Sunday Lunch in the Burlington restaurant.

Restaurant Manager, Valentine Gazghonov said, We all felt very honoured to be part of such an important occasion. Mrs Simpson never stopped smiling and amazingly she didn't use either a walk stick or glasses to read the menu. All I can say is 'thank you very much Mrs Simpson for sharing your day with us'. Maybe the secret of reaching 100 years old is fine food and champagne!

Mrs Simpson who was joined by her daughter Mrs Spoor had earlier been to church and said, "I had a lovely day with fabulous food in The Burlington Restaurant and we felt very well looked after by friendly and professional staff."

The Devonshire Arms is just over half an hour's drive from Mrs Simpson's home town of Ripon attracting diners for both dinner and Sunday Lunch from a wide area across the North of England.

More on the Burlington Restaurant...

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey

Time for a cuppa?  Customers calling into The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey on Friday 30th September between10am and 12 noon can buy a cafetière of coffee for two with chef’s scrummy homemade biscuits for just £3.75 – proceeds, of course, going to Macmillan Cancer Support – the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.  The Devonshire Arms is just the place to meet up with friends, relaxing in a deep squashy sofa by a roaring log fire and enjoying a good old natter whilst supporting the country’s biggest charity event.  And the more of you who meet up, the more you will give to this fantastic cause.

No need to book - just call in to The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey between 10am and 12 noon on Friday, 30th September.

Devonshire Hotels, which includes The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, the Devonshire Health Barn and the Cavendish Pavilion all at Bolton Abbey and The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall, have chosen the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust as their chosen charity of the year for 2011/12.

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is a small charity doing big things. Since the Trust was formed fifteen years ago, they have been working hard to look after the well-being of the Yorkshire Dales. As Brian van Oosten, General Manager of The Devonshire Arms said, The mission of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Yorkshire Dales fits in with our own ethos very well as we endeavour to support the local community and protect the environment for the benefit of future generations.

The Trust has helped to deliver over 1,200 inspiring projects worth around £20 million in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas and most recently planted its millionth tree on a farm on the Bolton Abbey Estate. Its work covers areas as diverse as countryside apprenticeships, supporting local businesses, education and outreach, restoring woodlands and wildlife habitats, and conserving heritage features. This goes hand in hand with the work that is carried out by the 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate for the enjoyment of its many visitors whilst protecting the livelihood of the communities that live and work on the Estate.

As part of their support The Devonshire Arms has given luxury raffle prizes, is providing hospitality for a number of events and £1 for every ticket sold for the annual Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza on 5th November will go towards the charity.

www.devonshirehotels.co.uk
01756 710441

www.ydmt.org
015252 51002

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Media contact:
Liz Clayton
liz@ashmarketing.co.uk
01756 711407

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel & Spa at Bolton Abbey has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the acclaimed travel site Trip Advisor.  The award is presented by Trip Advisor to properties who consistently receive excellent ratings from its members.

General Manager, Brian van Oosten said, “I am delighted to receive this certificate and it acknowledges the high standards everyone here works hard to maintain.  Everyone plays their part whether it’s in housekeeping, the kitchen or front of house and it’s always a boost to receive an award. And I would like to take the opportunity of saying “very well done” to all my staff for their contribution.”

Trip Advisor is the world’s largest travel community where visitors to the website can get feedback, advice and opinions from the millions of travellers who send in their views.  It’s also a portal for making bookings and where travellers can find special offers.  

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel & Spa is credited with 4 AA red stars and 4 AA rosettes and a Michelin star for the Burlington Restaurant.  The award winning hotel offers 40 bedrooms, 2 restaurants, private dining and meeting rooms, as well as a health and leisure club in a beautiful parkland setting on the 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate owned by the Duke of Devonshire.

Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants are proud to support The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust as their chosen charity for 2011-12. We have been making great efforts over the past year to improve our environmental policy with our 'reduce, reuse, recycle' philosophy and we are delighted to have been rewarded with a silver in the Green Tourism Business Scheme!

The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is a small charity doing big things to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Yorkshire Dales. To date the Trust has helped to deliver over 1,200 inspiring projects worth around £20 million in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.

These projects cover areas as diverse as countryside apprenticeships, supporting local businesses, education and outreach, restoring woodlands and wildlife habitats, and conserving heritage features.

YDMT Director, David Sharrod says 'The Trust couldn't continue this important work without donations and legacies from individuals, and the support of partners like Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants.'

To find out more please visit www.ydmt.org

We are delighted to announce our Christmas and New Year plans. This year we are offering a two or three night Christmas break as well as a three night New Year's celebration. With the promise of gourmet dinners, a Black Tie party, spectacular fireworks displays and guided walks with Head Concierge, Eddie Styles.

Some loyal regular guests have already booked their places, and we're sure that now the full details have been released, places will fill up fast! All at the Devonshire Arms are excited already; we hope that you are too...

Click here for full details about Christmas and New Year celebrations.

A silver award in the Green Business Tourism Scheme has been given to The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey in recognition of the efforts the hotel management and staff are making towards reducing the impact of the business on the environment.

Sustainability and green issues are now very much mainstream but there are still remarkably few hotels that actually go the extra mile to minimise the carbon footprint of the business. Eddie Styles who leads the Green Team at The Devonshire Arms has been instilling a philosophy of reduce, re-use and recycle at the heart of the hotel's performance. This includes reducing energy consumption, waste reduction, sustainable management, employee awareness and sustainable procurement.

One very worthwhile project that has resulted from the re-cycling involves collecting plastic milk bottle tops which are sent to the Gambian Schools Trust, based locally at Saltaire. The trust, which provides placement teachers and equipment for schools in Gambia, sends the tops to be used as counters instead of palm sticks from the bush having found that the bright colours of the tops generate excitement and enthusiasm resulting in the desire to learn. Eddie himself encourages guests to ditch the car whilst staying at the hotel and explore on foot by taking them on a guided walk along some of the 80 miles of footpaths and hiking trails.

The hotel is part of the Devonshire Group, including the Bolton Abbey and Chatsworth Estates, of which Eddie is a member of a steering group committed to nurturing and improving the environment. Lord Burlington, chair of the Devonshire Group environmental committee, was delighted with the news of the hotel's award saying, I congratulate everyone at The Devonshire Arms for taking such great strides towards reducing the hotel's carbon footprint. Everything we do impacts on our environment and we all need to be aware of how important it is to manage our lives for the benefit of future generations.

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Media contact....
Photos available: The Devonshire Arms exterior;
Eddie Styles with award

Editor's notes:

The 4 red star Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa is on the Duke of Devonshire's 30,000 acre estate at Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire. With 40 bedrooms, 2 restaurants including the 4 AA rosette, Michelin starred Burlington.

The hotel has just completed a refurbishment programme of The Devonshire Brasserie restaurant and the private dining and meeting rooms.