Ramside Estates Magazine issue 2 by Allies Group Ltd

Ramside Estates Magazine

The Audi Q5. A different kind of SUV. Find our brand new centre on Newcastle Road, Sunderland.

Wearside Audi Newcastle Road Sunderland SR5 1JQ 0333 207 5691 lookers.co.uk/audi Audi Q5: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.2 – 4.5 (32.7 – 52.3 US mpg) Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 164 – 117 (263.9 – 188.3 g/ mi) (Figures on the fuel consumption and the CO2-emissions vary in case of given ranges depending on the used combination of wheels/tyres). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data as well as the efficiency classes are dependent on the choice of wheels and tyres.

Ramside Estates Magazine

W E LC O M E John Adamson is Managing Director of the Ramside Estates Group, a family business established by his grandfather.

am delighted to welcome you to the second edition of The Ramside Estates Magazine. As a family-owned business, renowned for its hotels, bars and events catering, we are supremely proud of our place within the North East hospitality sector, itself an ever-evolving and expanding place to do business. The Ramside Estates story is very much a family one and we hope to bring this spirit to all our venues, be they city centre cocktail bars or country house hotel retreats. Our values of solidarity, comfort and loyalty remain the same as they did when my grandfather Dick Coleman started the business in 1964 and my father, Michael Adamson, took over from him in the late 1970s. Today the hospitality industry moves at a fast pace, as customer experience and expectations change constantly. Within the Ramside Estates hotels and businesses we strive to keep ahead of the rest with innovation and excitement always with an eye on quality. The past couple of years have been a time of investment and change within our properties. We have been through an exciting renovation at Hardwick Hall hotel with a stylish new bar area and function room upgrade, and refurbished bedrooms at Bowburn Hall Hotel have proved hugely popular.

At Ramside Hall our grand new Ballroom offers a showstopping venue that we have been proud to unveil in the North East. We are also very excited about the imminent opening of our new pet project, The Impeccable Pig, which will be a luxurious, characterful and quirky bar and restaurant with rooms, in Sedgefield. What hasn't changed is our commitment to the people who make Ramside Estates tick. We are proud to employ more than 650 people from the region, many of whom have been with us for generations, some joining the business with my father all those years ago. These people are pivotal to all we strive to do within our business, as is our ongoing commitment to local suppliers and the businesses we work with. County Durham is a stunning part of the world and I hope Ramside Magazine inspires you to discover more about our beautiful region and make a return visit. Thanks to the team at Remember Media for this latest edition, I hope you enjoy reading it. John Adamson, Managing Director, Ramside Estates

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Directors: John Adamson, Marian Adamson, Helen Roseberry Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD (0191) 386 5282

Publisher: Chris March; Editorial: Kathryn Armstrong, Jessica Laing; Photography: Kevin Gibson, Sean Elliott Designed by: Remember Media Studio; Sales: Debi Coldwell, Lisa Anderson

Remember Media Ltd, e-volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South Business Park DH4 5QY. Tel: 0191 500 7860 remembermedia.co.uk

All contents copyright ÂŠ2018 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print May 2018.

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CONTENTS 06 24 36 52 66

Discovering Durham. On the doorstep find a landscape of coast, countryside and castles.

Say aaah! Wind down and indulge with Spa at Ramside's unique, feel-good offering.

Tee time. A catch-up with the golf people who keep the courses cultivated.

At the helm. Jon Hill joins the team at Hardwick Hall where every day brings a surprise.

Pig out. Introducing our new dining companion, The Impeccable Pig restaurant with rooms.

76 80 88 94 98

Behind the scenes. See how the magic happens in the kitchen at Bowburn Hall Hotel.

Our big day. We share the wedding joy with a couple who made Bowburn Hall their own.

Inside the eccentric world of Colonel Porter. A focus on our eclectic city centre cocktail bar.

Go faster! Ramside Hall general manager Tim Boyd test drives a magical Aston Martin.

Let us guide you through the season. A calendar of social, sporty and cultural happenings.

Cow Green Reservoir in the Durham Dales

Ramside Estates Magazine

WA L K S , WAT E R FA L L S A N D N AT U R A L W O N D E R S â&#x20AC;Ś Durham is a dazzling city in its own right, but take time to explore and you might be surprised at what you find on its doorstep.

Ramside Estates Magazine

DURHAM CITY Vibrant Durham City lies at the historic heart of the county’s green and gorgeous landscape. The city’s skyline is one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe, dominated by Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral. They are much loved and admired, widely recognised as the UK’s number one landmark, or as author Bill Bryson puts it “the best cathedral on planet earth'. The two Norman buildings are part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a trip and discover the site’s story at the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre which tells stories of saints and scholars. Discover why Durham Cathedral, with its Romanesque architecture, stained glass and shrines to St Cuthbert and St Bede, is still a place of pilgrimage a thousand years after it was built. Durham City is a place of many more treasures. A scenic stroll along the banks of the River Wear will take you to medieval Crook Hall and its tranquil themed gardens. Explore fascinating museums including the Oriental Museum, which is the only museum in the north dedicated to the art and archaeology of the Orient. Durham Light Infantry Museum is acclaimed as being among the finest regimental museums in the country, while Palace Green Library displays some of Durham University’s own riches as well as hosting world-class exhibitions. And you can get back to nature at Durham University’s Botanic Garden. A stroll through the historic streets of Durham City leads you to high street favourites jostling for attention alongside independent retailers, boutiques and quirky craft shops in the shadow of Durham Cathedral. Meet craftspeople at work in Fowlers Yard, or discover more than 50 independent traders in the Victorian Durham Market Hall.

DURHAM DALES Breathtaking scenery just a few miles away provides the ideal backdrop to your break. Escape to the stunning surroundings of Teesdale, Weardale and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, best explored on two feet – or two wheels. These beautiful landscapes have inspired artists and writers through the ages – none more so than JMW Turner – the painter of light. A photo opportunity not to be missed is High Force, one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls. Criss-crossing the Dales, many miles of cycle paths, disused railway lines, quiet country lanes and off-road trails provide a great range of routes for all ages and abilities. Hamsterley Forest is a magnet for mountain bikers and has recently opened new sections of single-track, along with a circular multi-user trail.

On cloudless nights the skies are so dark that all you need is a simple chart to go stargazing

On cloudless nights the skies are so dark that all you need is a simple chart to go stargazing in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – home to the county’s 12 Dark Sky Discovery Sites, including the newly designated Bowlees Visitor Centre and Hamsterley Forest. Nature reigns supreme in this special place, and a pair of binoculars and a love of peace and tranquillity will reward you with a sight of the rare black grouse, with 80 per cent of England’s population making it their home. The wide open surroundings of the upper Derwent valley is a prime fishing and wildlife spot. Meander around this vast landscape with a circular walk through the heathland and woodland, which is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Dales has much to enjoy for lovers of culture and history, including The Bowes Museum, a stunning Frenchstyle chateau, home to one of the greatest collections of fine and decorative art in Europe. Nearby, medieval Raby Castle’s stunning exterior houses an equally impressive interior, while at Killhope: The North of England Lead Mining Museum you can find your own minerals as you work as a washer boy.

DURHAM COAST On the far east of the county, just a few miles from Ramside Estates’ properties, lies Durham Heritage Coast, a stretch of wild and beautiful coastline. It’s the ideal place for a fresh air walk that weaves its way through wild flowers and coastal villages. Enjoy stunning clifftop scenery along the way. Take in the spectacular scenery of Castle Eden Dene, this mysterious tangled landscape of trees, rocky outcrops and steep cliffs is a sensational survivor of ‘the wildwood’ that once covered much of Britain. Around 10,000 years of wild growth in a deep gorge has created a place you can explore again and again. Take a break at the lively seaside town of Seaham, with its cafes, shops, heritage centre and marina – this provides facilities for 77 boats and the base for watersports and other leisure-based activities. The town’s secluded beaches provide a safe haven for families.

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T H E VA L E O F DURHAM Delve into Durham’s amazing heritage in the Vale of Durham. From social and industrial, to spiritual and sporting, Durham’s history is brought to life at award-winning attractions in the Vale. Stroll through the beautiful rooms at Auckland Castle, which was the palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham for more than 900 years, and discover the majestic works of art and historic artefacts housed within. It wasn’t just blood sweat and tears that went into shaping Durham’s industrial heritage but also a sense of community, laughter and warmth. Step into the past as you take in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of times gone by at Beamish – The Living Museum of the North. Ramside Hall

Durham’s history is brought to life at award-winning attractions in the Vale

Hotel's special Beamish Experience Package means you can enjoy it all; guests will receive two entry tickets to the museum, followed by a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel, with breakfast the next morning. Discover the county’s role in the development of the railways at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon, a Victorian railway town whose highly-skilled workforce played an important role in the early days of steam locomotive power. Durham also has a rich sporting heritage. Durham County Cricket Club has grown from humble beginnings in 1882 to see top-flight cricket now played at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, and did you know that a Durham team, West Auckland Football Club, won the ‘first world cup’ in 1909? www.thisisdurham.com

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RAMSIDE HALL Somewhere to return time and time again, Ramside Hall is a place of splendour to relax, revive, feast - and flourish on the fairway...

Ramside Estates Magazine

illed with charm and character, blessed with tasteful, traditional good looks and set in an ideal location, with major rail and road links nearby, Ramside Hall Hotel enjoys a reputation as one of the North Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-loved, luxury hotels. County Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only gold-awarded, AA-rated and four-star hotel, it is nestled in 350 acres of private grounds, with two 18-hole championship golf courses, a state-of-the-art spa and leisure complex, a range of luxury bars and lounges and a stellar line-up of award-winning restaurants. It is the perfect venue for business and pleasure; somewhere where relaxation and luxury go hand in hand and where no expense has been spared to provide those who walk through its doors with the finest facilities and unbeatable service.

Ramside Estates Magazine commercial feature

Activ Technology is a local business communications provider, delivering mobile, telephony and IT solutions to small, medium and growing enterprises across the North East. Ian Gillespie, the Managing Director, takes us behind the scenes at Activ.

ACTIV TECHNOLOGY: BECAUSE TECHNOLOGY NEVER STANDS STILL Over the past 14 years, Activ has evolved into a complete business communications provider. We’re now able to provide businesses with all of their technology needs with just one point of contact. “Activ have worked hard to forge lasting relationships with partners, network providers and manufacturers to enable us to be truly independent and offer our customers the very best options from the entire marketplace” We’re committed to providing tailored solutions to local businesses – we listen to the needs and pain points of businesses to fully understand their requirements and produce a plan which isn’t “off the shelf” but is built around their unique business needs. Our consultative approach doesn’t stop when we bring new customers on board, our dedication to supporting our clients all the way through their contract with us has resulted in Activ having the incredible retention rate of 96%. We have achieved this rate as a direct result of the high levels of quality customer service we deliver daily, through regular account reviews and site visits to ensure that we’re continuously

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meeting needs and adapting to our customer’s internal changes. “I believe this approach helps us stand out from the crowd and puts us ahead in the competitive marketplace of business communications here in the North East.” Activ has recently been recognised for their on-going commitment and passion by being awarded the two top prestigious awards from their direct partner, O2. Activ is one of just eight companies across the whole of the UK to have been awarded both the Customer Excellence and Digital Excellence awards in 2016. Achieving these awards means that we have demonstrated exceptional levels of customer service alongside delivering the latest digital portfolio to ensure our customers are benefiting from the latest technology. In addition to our awards from the mobile network provider O2, we have cemented our place in the IT marketplace by becoming a Microsoft Silver Partner. In 2016 Activ has been awarded the Microsoft Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions competency which recognises our team’s experience and knowledge of

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implementing and supporting Microsoft’s cloud services, in particular Microsoft Office 365. “We’re proud to be a local provider in the North East, and want to see our community develop – which is why we continue to heavily invest in recruitment.” As a growing business, we’re able to invest in the economic development of our region in numerous ways, including recruiting the top talent from the North East. Our office is our family, we’re all committed to the same end goals and we work together to ensure that we perform to the best of the team’s ability – there’s very much a family spirit around the office! “Get in touch with Activ Technology and we’ll take care of all your business communications and technology needs, with just one point of contact”

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REST Lay your head in one of Ramside’s 127 luxury bedrooms, all immaculately furnished, tastefully decorated and decked out with contemporary facilities to keep you comfortable and have you feeling at home. Go for a Classic or Deluxe, or head to the hotel’s new wing and nab a Premier Room. Fancy pushing the boat out? Why not treat yourself to a slice of the suite life for the night. Take a Junior Suite, equipped with either Juliette balconies overlooking the golf courses or French doors leading out to private patios, and unwind in large, luxury bathrooms, or in your own lounge, or splash out for the night, making one of the hotel’s two Presidential Suites your home-away-from-home. Perfect for honeymooners and wedding couples, both have been recently

For the ultimate overnight stay, there’s also the Celebration Suite - regarded as one of the best hotel rooms in the North East

refurbished, and now boast fully-furnished lounges, large and lavish bathrooms and roaring fires. Or, for the ultimate overnight stay, there’s also the Celebration Suite - regarded as one of the best hotel rooms in the North East. Check-in and indulge, with a free-standing copper bath, a 90-inch television, a seven-foot Hypnos bed, separate walk-in shower, dressing area and dining area.

Ramside Estates Magazine

ESTATE PEOPLE Karen Bloore, Beverley Anders and Julie Carverhill Reception

UNWIND For those who prefer pampering to putting, there’s no better place to kick-back than at Spa at Ramside - without doubt one of the finest spas in the region. Here you’ll find a 25-metre swimming pool, an outdoor vitality pool, balcony infinity pool and one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools. There’s also a thermal suite, complete with a herbal infusion sauna, Himalayan salt steam, aroma steam and a sunken amphitheatre sauna and, for those with energy to burn, a state-of-the-art Fitness Suite, offering a programme of more than 40 classes every week. It’s also a place where a dedicated team of therapists work their magic, treating guests to a carefully-crafted menu of indulgent treatments enjoy massages, facials, body wraps and more as one-off treats or as part of luxury spa days, packages and breaks.

FEAST A place for all tastes, appetites and occasions, Ramside Hall dishes up the goods in its three renowned restaurants - all of which have become some of Durham’s best-loved dining destinations in their own right. Book a table at AA awardwinning The Rib Room Steakhouse for mighty slabs of

Karen, Beverley and Julie might be some of the first faces you see as you walk through Ramside Hall Hotel’s doors. Together, they are responsible for the overall day-to-day action happening in and around the hotel; overseeing all reservations, bookings and general enquiries and making sure everything runs smoothly and that every guest’s stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The trio have become firm friends over the years and Beverley (middle) has recently celebrated 30 years working at the hotel. Favourite thing about the job? Interacting with guests and meeting so many new faces every day. We love hearing that people have enjoyed their stay at the hotel - that’s what brings us satisfaction. As long as they’re happy, we’re happy. And we really enjoy working together, too. We’re more than colleagues; we’re very close friends and a tight-knit team. Together, we’re like a well-oiled machine! Memorable moment? Celebrating the hotel’s 50th anniversary still stands out for us - what a milestone! And we loved it when Spa at Ramside opened its doors. The phone never stopped ringing at the time - and it still doesn’t! It’s been great to see how popular and successful it’s become.

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sensational steak; the finest Durham beef, matured for up to 32 days in the kitchen’s very own meat locker. For light and spicy bites, head for Fusion, set within the grounds of Spa at Ramside. Here, you can enjoy a menu of Pan Asian goodness, from Eastern-inspired tapas and hearty Thai-style mains, to healthy breakfasts, brunch and hot and cold sandwiches. Tuck into traditional roasts with all the trimmings at Pemberton’s Carvery, dig into British classics over in the Clubhouse, or treat yourself to a spot of Afternoon Tea in one of the hotel’s stylish lounges.

CELEBRATE The ability to cater to all occasions is one of the reasons Ramside Hall Hotel is popular, not just with leisure guests, but also with corporate clients, brides and grooms and party-goers. On-site you’ll find an unparalleled choice of meeting, conference and function rooms and suites and, in the summer months, its marquee, which can seat 200 and can be extended to accommodate 2,000 guests.

PLAY The hotel is home to some of the most exciting risk and reward golf courses in the region; two 18-hole championship courses, nestled in acres upon acres of tranquil parkland, providing drama and excitement from the first tee to the final green. Members and non-members are given access to some of the best facilities available to golfers today, from an all-year-round short game practice area, to an indoor swing studio. Stop by the Clubhouse to relax, refuel and shop after your game.

The hotel is home to two of the most exciting risk and reward golf courses in the region

Ramside Estates Magazine

Harry Howe

ESTATE PEOPLE

Gardener Harry is head gardener at Ramside Hall Hotel. He’s been looking after the hotel’s grounds for 12 years, but has worked in green keeping for nearly 30. He looks after a small team responsible for the upkeep of the hotel’s lawns, gardens, bushes, trees and flowers including around 100 hanging baskets. Favourite thing about the job? I’ve always loved working outdoors - even in the cold. We do a lot of wood chipping and tree pruning in the winter. Come the summer, every day is busy, but I love seeing the hotel blossom - quite literally - and transform, with masses of colour. My job is about the longterm; we are planting trees and bushes now that won’t come to life for another five years or so, but it’s exciting to think about how they’ll look when their time comes. I love it when guests comment on the flowers, or how well the grounds are kept - it gives me real satisfaction. I try and keep the grounds looking pristine - just as I’d expect to find them if I was visiting a hotel. Memorable moment? Two years ago I was entered into a regional hospitality competition, which recognised finalists’ contributions to North East hotels, and I won for the work I do here at Ramside Hall Hotel. There was a big ceremony and I remember going up on stage to accept my award. It was a proud moment.

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BRANCHING OUT Look what's hiding in the forest...if you go down to the woods by Ramside Hall in coming months you'll be blown away by the brand new, sky-high development - six state-of-the-art treehouses, promising guests a peaceful and luxurious woodland escape...Â

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amside Hall will soon be offering guests a new and exciting place to stay within its grand grounds, in the form of six, stylish treehouses. The hotel’s latest multi-million pound investment will see a brand new collection of cutting-edge, high-rise retreats being built on-site, tucked away behind the hotel’s two championship golf courses. Built on stilts, high above the treetops, the architecturallydesigned holiday homes will provide breathtaking views over the 18th fairway and the vivid green of the Prince Bishops golf course. Venture inside and guests will discover luxury at every turn, including one-to-two large bedrooms and a private living room to unwind in, as well as a contemporary bathroom, complete with a free-standing copper bath. Each of the properties, which are ideally suited to couples and friends, will be flooded with natural light, thanks to more than a dozen large windows, and benefit from

an ultra-modern, wraparound outdoor terrace - the perfect spot for alfresco dining as the evenings begin to warm up. County Durham-based architect, John White, is the man behind the design - though it isn’t the first time he and his talented team have joined forces with the hotel. His firm, Padgett White Architects, was responsible for the creation of its sumptuous bedroom wing, boasting 47 premier rooms, its award-winning spa and the extension of its 27-hole golf courses. “We are delighted that work has begun on our new treehouses,” said John Adamson, Managing Director of Ramside Estates. “To be creating this wonderful new addition to our hotel is very exciting and we are confident the treehouses will be very popular; they will enhance the facilities we already have here at Ramside and we look forward to giving visitors something they’ve never seen before.”

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PUTTING THE AHHH … I N S PA Whether you’re checking-in for a morning massage, an evening facial or a full day pampering experience, find serenity and lose yourself in relaxation at Spa at Ramside…

ince its arrival back in 2015, Spa at Ramside has gone from strength to strength, earning itself a reputation as one of the North East’s destination spas, thanks to its range of luxury treatments and unique therapies, award-winning facilities and unrivalled surroundings. It is somewhere to truly kick-back, unwind and forget the outside world; a place in which a team of dedicated

therapists, experts in their field, are on hand to help guests switch off, melt away stress and boost wellbeing. Passionate about making a big difference to the way their clients look and feel, every spa-goer who walks through the doors is treated to a personalised spa journey, tailormade to their individual needs. Treatments range from stress-busting massages, invigorating scrubs and firming wraps, to healing body rituals and

Ramside Estates Magazine

fatigue-fighting facials, as well as specialist experiences for brides-to-be, mums-to-be and those facing, and recovering from, cancer. Enjoy a treatment on its own, or as part of a full day, half day or twilight spa experience, all of which include a welcome drink on arrival, robes and spa footwear, full use of the leisure facilities and fantastic food and drink in the Fusion Spa Restaurant. So, whether you’re in the mood for mixing massage with brunch or a light lunch, facials followed by a spot of Afternoon Tea, or a full-body pamper session topped off with a two-course evening meal, there’s something for everyone…

DID YOU KNOW? Spa at Ramside was among the first in the country to join forces with the American-based Wellness for Cancer organisation - the world’s first accredited programme for the spa industry, offering those facing and recovering from

It is somewhere to truly kickback, unwind and forget the outside world

cancer a range of safe and personalised treatments for the body, face and nails. All of Ramside’s highly-skilled therapists have undergone specialist training to ensure every guest is treated with the utmost compassion, and emerges comfortable, calmer and uplifted post-treatment. Treatments, which range from massage, to manicures and pedicures, have been specially crafted with a holistic approach; touch, mindfulness and breathing are key to help boost relaxation and melt away anxiety.

EXPLORE SOME MORE Looking for places to unwind before, after or in-between treatments? Why not lap it up in the full-size, 25-metre swimming pool, pummel away tension in the heated hydrotherapy pools, or kick-back in one of five thermal experience suites? There’s also the fully-equipped gym, outdoor Spa Garden and luxurious Beauty Snug and Sleep Sanctuary room, complete with sleep pods and sound wave therapy beds, if you’re in need of some shut-eye.

DINE RIGHT Fusion, within Spa at Ramside, is an award-winning Pan Asian restaurant, offering nutritional and healthy breakfasts, brunch and lunch dishes, Afternoon Tea with a twist, exciting dinner options and a selection of Asian-inspired tapas dishes. Tapping in to traditional recipes from South East Asia, chefs use a blend of fresh herbs, intoxicating spices and locallysourced produce, ensuring every meal serves up an explosion of colour and flavour.

Ramside Estates Magazine

POWER PARTNERSHIP Treatments at Spa at Ramside go above and beyond traditional techniques and methods for maximum results - and ESPA is at the heart of every one. 25 years ago, former Vogue editor and beauty therapist, Sue Harmsworth, created the game-changing spa and skincare giant, ESPA. It is a brand that continues to dominate and take the spa industry by storm in the form of pioneering products, packed with the latest skincare technology, quality plant extracts and marine ingredients, along with transformative treatments, all of which have been created with wellness in mind and from a holistic point of view. The result? Spa experiences that not only deliver noticeable results, but soothe away stress and environmental aggressors like no other, helping to bring the body and mind back into beautiful balance. Target tension with the brand’s deep muscle or Bali Island massage, go Swedish and say so-long to knots, treat yourself to a skin-saving facial, enhanced by the spa’s state-of-the-art SkinVisionTM technology, or treat yourself to a solution-led scrub, wrap or body ritual, promising a mix of deep exfoliation and massage for the face and body. And if you really fancy pushing the boat out, why not treat yourself to an ESPA Signature Treatment - the ultimate personalised experience, created especially for Spa at Ramside…

TREATMENT TO TRY… 2-hour pure radiance ritual This deeply-restoring treatment combines a full-body massage, personalised to your needs, with a radianceboosting facial and a sleep-inducing scalp massage. Together, they are the perfect trio, working in harmony to create an unbeatable, top-to-toe experience. Lie back and surrender to a bespoke massage, during which your therapist uses hot stones, combined with deep, specialist massage techniques, and a blend of nourishing essential oils, chosen by you, to knead away tension and aid achy muscles. The facial that follows leaves your complexion glowing with health; skin is cleansed, toned, moisturised and treated to a mask, using products suited to your skin type, eyes and lips are soothed with luscious lotions and balms, targeting dryness and fine lines and wrinkles. While hair and scalp are treated to an intensive mud treatment, warmed with the help of your therapist’s touch, you might just drift off. A blissful treatment that will leave you feeling like a new version of yourself - the perfect treat for you, or a loved one.

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MEMBER MOMENTS Becoming a member at Spa at Ramside means you’ll be treated to a range of exclusive perks, guaranteed to lift the spirits and soothe the mind, body and soul. Whether you’re into your fitness, in search of deeper relaxation or just looking for an excuse to treat yourself, there’s plenty on offer…

For pampering… Full access to the spa’s award-winning facilities 20% off all 60-minute or longer treatments £30 guest passes and complimentary spa use for your guests when they book a 60-minute treatment 10% off at Reef Salons

For fitness… A comprehensive induction in the state-of-the-art gym Personal training sessions, available for an additional fee Complimentary exercise classes, from Pilates and yoga, to spinning, bootcamp sessions and Nordic Walking Complimentary holistic health plan and quarterly one-to-one evaluations with the spa’s fitness team

And for when you fancy a treat… Discounts for selected Ramside Hall Hotel events Discount at Ramside Hall Hotel restaurants Twice-yearly drinks reception Access to members-only promotions and events

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C AT E R I N G W I T H C L A S S Ramside Event Catering is behind some of the region’s biggest and best-loved events, wow-factor weddings and special celebrations, adding fun and flavour to all occasions, in all kinds of settings…

amside Event Catering has a long history of providing an incredible level of service, regardless of however challenging a setting or location might be. From marquees and open fields, to city landmarks, university campuses, festivals and more, wherever an outside catering company is needed, Ramside Event Catering is a go-to organisation.

at a number of the region’s most prestigious venues, including Alnwick Garden, both Spennymoor and Seaham Town Hall, Durham’s Crook Hall, Durham and Gateshead’s St Mary’s Heritage Centre, to name a few. Wherever and whenever Ramside Event Catering is

The privately-owned company is one of the region’s largest and can cater for events of all sizes; whether you’re planning an intimate gathering for ten, or a party for over a thousand guests, its team is on hand to provide a tasty solution, full of flair and flavour. It’s a company behind the catering at some of the North East’s best and biggest events, including Hardwick Live Festival, the 2018 Tall Ships Races and Sunderland International Airshow. It’s also proud to provide catering

called to action, one thing is for certain: nothing but fresh and fabulous food and drink will be shared. Simply name your food style and the company’s expert team will supply it. Its very own food village provides guests with a chance to try a variety of mouthwatering dishes from across

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the globe in the form of pop-up bars and vans, serving everything from wood-fired pizza and classic fish and chips, to Mexican and Chinese-style street food, artisan doughnuts and other sweet treats. Traditional towers of Afternoon Tea delights add the finishing touch to picnic-style parties, fine-dining style plates with all the trimmings make celebratory sit-down dinners feel like feasts and fabulous finger food and fork buffet options add the fun-factor to corporate events. With the help of a fleet of mobile catering units, the team behind Ramside Event Catering can make their way to you. The glitzy final feast at Newcastle Civic Centre for the Newcastle International Film Festival, a four-course business awards dinner at Teesside University, and South Tyneside Civic Ball are just a some of the showcase events that have been catered for by Ramside Event Catering recently.

With a fleet of mobile catering units, the team can make their way to you

But it’s not just large functions and big-time events that enjoy the Ramside Event Catering touch. Many couples planning to get hitched want something less formal for their wedding, or want a fun alternative to a sit down meal. Whether you dream of having a marquee wedding breakfast in your own back garden, fish and chips straight from a van or a laid-back, backyard BBQ as the sun sets on your big day, the team can make it happen. Fancy pushing the boat out? The team’s mighty hog roasts, which showcase the finest Durham-bred, farm-reared meats, served with everything from fresh-from-the-oven bread rolls and homemade apple sauce, help give any wedding the wow-factor. Whatever the event or venue, its team never loses sight of the fact that each and every client is unique. From the outset, Ramside Event Catering works closely with clients so that, on the day or evening, all that’s left for them to do is relax and enjoy the occasion, safe in the knowledge that everything really is catered for. www.ramsideeventcatering.co.uk

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H AV I N G A B A L L Following a marvellous makeover, Ramside Hall Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new-andimproved ballroom is the place to be for the grandest of gatherings, fabulous functions and luxurious weddingsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Ramside Estates Magazine

amside Hall Hotel isn’t just a place to wine, dine and lay your head. It’s also the perfect venue to celebrate life’s memorable moments, whether you’re tying the knot, marking a milestone, or raising a glass or two to someone special. The hotel is home to a number of spaces for hosting events and big-day cheer, including its sumptuous Bishops Suite, created with big crowds in mind, the bright and airy Fountain Room, offering beautiful garden views, and The Green Room, ideal for intimate, exclusive parties and dinners. Unique in style, size and character, they provide the perfect backdrop for all kinds of occasions. Joining this good-looking crowd is the hotel’s Ballroom, which is now showing off the results of a £400,000 makeover, cementing its place as one of the most desirable wedding spaces and conference and party spots in the region. The room, which used to be reached via a side door, now boasts a variety of new and eye-catching features, including a new set of modern windows, flooding the space with natural light, and a brand new entrance that will no doubt

catch the eyes of brides and grooms-to-be. The room now opens up at the front of the hotel - perfect for couples wanting to make a grand entrance. Step inside and the luxury continues. Discover high and ornate plaster ceilings, large, sparkling chandeliers and soft and neutral interiors, alongside an attractive built-in stage area, a great-sized bar and reception area, and an area for private gatherings. Ramside's owner, John Adamson believes the transformation of the room, which is also licensed for civil ceremonies and can accommodate 80 to 180 guests for wedding breakfasts and up to 250 for evening receptions, will be a huge hit with guests and visitors - especially couples planning their weddings at Ramside. “The ballroom has always been extremely popular for both events and wedding celebrations and the new frontage, I think, will make it even more attractive. It looks fantastic as a backdrop for photographs and also has the real wow factor for when guests arrive at the hotel.”

Ramside Estates Magazine

GOING FOR GREEN Head for Ramside Hall Hotel’s luxurious lawns for a worldclass golfing experience that’s tailored to you and all your playing needs, enhanced by unbeatable facilities and added perks that’ll have you feeling chipper…

Ramside Estates Magazine

ome to two champions-worthy, immaculately-kept courses, set in secluded parkland with breathtaking views of Durham’s rolling countryside and beyond, Ramside Hall Hotel is a golfer’s paradise, come rain or shine. And with an unbeatable range of full and flexible membership options on offer, it’s the perfect place for dedicated putting pros and new-to-the-game talent to show their skills and pick up tips, whatever their lifestyle or budget. As many as 200 players head to the hotel’s green grounds each day to get their fairway fix - and it’s easy to see why. In recent years, the hotel waved goodbye to its 27-hole course, welcoming a brand new 18-hole championship course to sit alongside its established 18-hole Prince Bishop’ course - one of the best in the region. For those who love the challenge of driving over trees, water and sand and taking risks while enjoying the sounds and sights of nature, there is nowhere better. Both courses guarantee a thrilling game from the first tee to the final green and, together, make Ramside Hall Hotel one of the finest golf resorts in the North East. Its state-of-the-art Golf Academy remains one of the region’s most respected; a place where a team of dedicated coaches and teaching professionals, with over 20 years’ experience, delivers expert tuition to players of all abilities, from complete beginners to those playing at elite level. With the help of the latest industry equipment and a range of top-class facilities, they treat members and non-members to hours of unbeatable service, seven days a week. And when the action’s over, the Clubhouse is the place to be. It’s as warm and welcoming as they get, filled with community spirit, where members and guests gather, mingle and celebrate their life and sport victories. It’s also decked out with a range of modern facilities, including a wellstocked golf shop, a spacious locker room with showers, sauna and steam room, a bar serving light bites, and a sumptuous members’ lounge - the perfect place to relax and refuel after a round of action. A true destination for games of all sizes, thrilling competitions, grand golf days and more, there’s plenty to explore, whether you’re a long-serving member or visitor, eager to feel the grass of the driving range beneath your boots. Discover which green is good for you and bag yourself some fun, or become a member and enjoy a buggy-load of benefits…

Ramside Hall Hotel is a golfer’s paradise, come rain or shine

THE PRINCE BISHOPS’ COURSE Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, the Prince Bishops’ Course opened in 1996 and is the place to be for risk and reward

golf. A place for adventure, it features 16 water hazards, reachable par 5s, driveable par 4s and short holes that demand shot-making skills in search of your lowest score. Water comes into play on 10 holes and there are nine doglegs on the card, demanding good strategy and the ability to move the ball both ways.

THE CATHEDRAL COURSE The Cathedral Course opened in 2014, measuring 7,176 yards and is built on picturesque countryside between the villages of Belmont and Pittington. The impressive site extends out over a broad hilltop, before dropping down into a beautiful valley and back up again to the hotel’s lush parkland estate. A game here means you’ll enjoy wide open skies, breathtaking panoramic wooded valley views (see if you can spot Durham Cathedral and the Angel of the North) and dramatic elevation changes, surrounded by 50,000 mature trees.

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ESTATE PEOPLE Kevin Jackson Golf coach

Did you know... Designer Jonathan Gaunt was partly-inspired by Augusta National, home of The Masters tournament, when creating the Cathedral Course. The stretch of holes from the 11th to the 14th is known as ‘Ramside’s Amen Corner’ and the par-three 12th hole bears an uncanny resemblance to its famous counterpart, ‘Golden Bell’ - the iconic short hole played over Augusta Rae’s Creek. Explore some more… Head to the 16 bay floodlit driving range for long and short range target greens and the all-year-round short game practice area, complete with three bunkers, a chipping green and a USGA specification putting green, for improving your pitching and wedge game. Perfect your swing with the help of driving range posture mirrors, or take advantage of the hotel’s indoor swing studio with GASP System Video Analysis. Dine right… Clever cooks within the Clubhouse, which can also be hired for parties and other events of up to 120 guests, serve up a range of pre and post-golf snacks and meals, inspired by hearty British classics and created with local produce. Think full English breakfasts and bacon rolls, homemade soup, cold sandwiches and hot paninis and speciality, made-to-order Clubhouse burgers. Celebration menus include tempting hot and cold fork buffet options, mighty hog roasts and BBQ dishes.

Kevin is a self-employed golf coach, mainly based at Ramside Hall Golf Club. He’s been teaching golf at the club since 1999, working with everyone from beginners, to those playing at national championship level. Most of his clients are club members, some are hotel residents and others are experienced players from the North East golfing community. He also runs the hotel’s junior golf academy, working with four to 16-year-olds. Favourite thing about the job? The variety my job brings. Of course, I’m always teaching, but I get to work with so many different people, of all ages and all abilities, which really keeps me on my toes. I’ll see 50 juniors a week, all of whom come in for lessons, then I might be working with seniors on their swing, or local golf pros, looking to improve their game or prepare for a competition or golf day. I also oversee Durham Sixth Form Centre’s golf academy twice a week, which sees me travelling for tours and competitions. I’m a busy man, but I wouldn’t change it. I love helping people improve, watching them progress and seeing their enjoyment grow. The facilities here at Ramside are second to none. It has everything a golfer needs to develop and test their game. Memorable moment? I used to love the hotel’s celebrity golf days. They were always really fun. The opening of the Cathedral course, was such a big day for the golf club, I’ll never forget it. Members’ presentations always stand out for me. It’s great to be able to hand over trophies to people I’ve personally coached - it makes me so proud.

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MEMBER MOMENTS Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club offers a range of golf membership options and packages to suit all ages, lifestyles and budgets. Pick what works for you and get playing your best game yet - whenever and however often the mood strikes…

PREMIER MEMBERSHIP Ramside Hall Hotel’s most popular annual golf membership. Unlimited golf on both golf courses Complimentary three ball voucher to bring guests 25% off heath club and Spa at Ramside membership 10% off golf shop purchases 10% off Clubhouse food and drink, The Rib Room Steakhouse & Grill and Fusion restaurant Discount on buggy hire, hotel stays and rates on driving range balls Five free Green Fee vouchers when you refer a new Premier member England Golf CONGU handicap Entry into to year-round golf competitions

FLEXI-GOLF@RAMSIDE A new flexible, points-based scheme, designed to meet the needs of less frequent golfers who still want to enjoy the perks of being a member. Members join for a low annual fee, including 100 points to exchange for rounds of golf on both courses throughout the year. With a round of golf starting at just two points, you’ll have the freedom to play when it suits you, around your work schedule and family life. Official CONGU handicap Entry into club competitions The option to play golf seven days a week, 365 days a year Use points to invite guests to play with you at great value rates 10% off golf shop purchases 10% off Clubhouse food and drink The chance to represent Ramside Golf Club in competitive amateur leagues and tournament

GOLF ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP A good choice for members of other golf clubs, looking to improve their game with the help of high-quality practice facilities. Surrender to one single annual payment and reap the rewards.

Access to all golf facilities, including 16 bay floodlit driving range, short game practice area, Indoor Swing Studio and mirrors for posture checking and swing training 10% off golf shop purchases 10% off Clubhouse food and drink Discounted nine-hole rate to member guest rate Invite three guests to play for the same price Discount rates on driving range balls

CORPORATE FLEXI-GOLF MEMBERSHIP A new scheme that allows businesses to join Ramside Golf Club for a low annual fee, with the option to play either nine or 18 holes. Nine holes start from two points, giving you a chance to entertain clients and reward colleagues when it suits your work schedule. The option to play golf seven days a week, 365 days a year Use points to invite clients to play with you Use of chipping and putting areas Use of sauna and steam rooma with complimentary towels Discounted buggy hire rate No restricted tee times Book tees up to two weeks in advance Treat up to four named members to monthly Clubhouse offers, free room hire when booking an event in the Clubhouse, access to social events, corporate bedroom and meeting room rates and discount on Clubhouse food and drink and golf shop purchases

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP An ideal pick for businesses who like to entertain clients and reward staff on a regular basis. One tee every day, seven days a week, on either course Use of chipping and putting areas Use of sauna and steam room with complimentary towels Discounted buggy hire rate No restricted tee times Book tees up to two weeks in advance Treat up to four named members to 10% off golf shop purchases, social events, food and drink at the Clubhouse, The Rib Room Steakhouse & Grill and Fusion restaurant 10% off Reef Hair Salon, corporate bedroom rates and discounted meeting rooms and spa membership

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We don’t like to blow our own trumpet...

ESTATE PEOPLE Craig Hardy Greenkeeper Craig is responsible for the maintenance of Ramside Hall Hotel’s two 18-hole championship golf courses, which involves day-today inspections and upkeep of both courses, ensuring they are in tip-top condition each and every day for members and visiting players. He looks after a team of 12 to 14 greenkeepers and can also be found in the golf club’s workshop, tending to any machinery queries or problems.

...we let our clients do it for us www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk Created by The Works

Favourite thing about the job? Working with such a great team and seeing how much the hotel’s grounds and golf services have evolved over the last two decades. The site is unrecognisable now; the courses have come on leaps and bounds since I first joined the hotel. Back then, I was involved with the fertilisation and maturing of some of the very first turf on the old Prince Bishops course and to still be here now, to see just how far things have come, is just wonderful. Ramside is a golfing destination in its own right and I’m very proud of the work we do here. There’s never a dull moment and I still love cutting greens as much now as I did in the beginning; you can’t beat hand mowing first thing in the morning, especially in the summer months. Memorable moment? Getting planning permission for the new Cathedral Course. I’ll always remember meeting members - the first people to play on it - on the 18th green and hearing their praise and positive feedback. It was a special moment - we were all very proud.

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K I TC H E N C A P TA I N Culinary leader, menu-maker, chief lobster cooker… Ramside Estates’ executive chef, Mark Bennett, does it all. We go behind-the-scenes to get to know him a little better…

’ve been cooking in kitchens since the ages of 12 and 13… my grandma worked in a little restaurant in my home town of Scarborough and I used to potter around the kitchen, helping her out, at the weekends and during the summer holidays. I started my culinary training at 16, then moved to London at 18 to gain as much

I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a great group of people… it’s like we’re one big football team; I’m the captain of the kitchen team and I have superstars around me. It’s my job to make sure we’re all playing together, as one, to deliver a winning service. I like to get everyone, from the young juniors to the commis chefs and head chefs, involved when

experience as I could.

it comes to developing our menus. We’ll bounce ideas off each other, then sit down with owner, John, to taste new and potential dishes to make sure we’re all happy with the food we’re putting on the table.

Some of my most cherished food memories include… eating fish and chips on Scarborough beach. Marco Pierre White once said that Scarborough’s ice cream - the kind sold on the pier - was the best he’s ever eaten. It’s funny to think I grew up on the stuff. Nowadays, I enjoy getting my kids, who are five and nine, in the kitchen as much as possible, so that they can start making memories of their own. They have a chair at the side of the stove. I’ve worked for some big hotels and companies during my career… including Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sodexo and an outside catering company, which saw me cook at some of the biggest events at some of the country’s best-loved racecourses. I remember preparing 10,000 meals over four days at the William Hill St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse. I joined the Ramside Estates family four years ago… and I still love it now, as much as I did then. Being executive chef means I’m based between Ramside Hall Hotel and Hardwick Hall, supervising both kitchen teams, developing the venues’ menus, meeting with suppliers and overseeing big events, like The Annual Lobster Charity Ball at Hardwick. I’m probably one of the only executive chefs I know who spends most of their working week in the kitchen… but that’s my choice and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We can cater for up to 1,200 people at The Annual Lobster Charity Ball and big, marquee dinners and other special events at the likes of Ramside can attract up to 4,000 diners. Then there’s all the residents and guests at the hotel restaurants to cook for. I’m at my happiest in the kitchen, though, and thrive off the pressure. I get a real buzz from it.

You could say I’m a bit of a father figure in the kitchen… my role involves offering as much support to the chefs around me as I can, when needed. Working with the junior chefs - and watching them grow and progress - keeps me inspired in the kitchen. Their enthusiasm rubs off on me. It’s about nurturing them and, hopefully, raising future cooking stars. I turned 50 this year - they keep me young! Any time spent meeting our customers is an extra perk of the job for me… you can’t beat meeting the people you’ve just served, or will serve. As executive chef, I get to meet a lot of couples who are getting married at the hotels. I’ll help create menus for their big day and present them with

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options to try. Working one-on-one with them, getting to know them and their tastes and, of course, getting immediate feedback on my cooking is great. It keeps me grounded. Local produce is at the heart of our cooking… knowing exactly where our ingredients come from is extremely important to me and one of the reasons why I joined the company. We are all passionate about fresh, local produce and work closely with our suppliers, from the butchers who provide us with our meat, to the local fishmongers who pass on their finds. We’ll often visit them, whether at the abattoir or on the boats, to see what’s up for grabs. The same goes for all of our fruit and vegetables - it’s all seasonal and grown locally. When it comes to our food, we’re determined to live up to diners’ expectations… We have two AA rosette restaurants at Ramside Hall Hotel, so I think we’re doing ok! But that’s not to say we don’t push ourselves to do better. It would be easy to rest on our laurels, but we’re always looking to grow and improve. Food is such a huge part of Ramside Estate’s offering; John has invested a lot in the hotels’ kitchens and we often travel around the country, eating our way around, keeping our fingers on the pulse and our eyes on market trends. It’s all about giving our customers the best experience possible, from the food on the table, to the service.

ESTATE PEOPLE Jean Rousselle Manager, Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill For Jean, customer service is at the heart of his job and you’ll find him on the restaurant floor most days, making sure each and every service is running smoothly, greeting guests as they arrive and advising on food and drink. Originally from the Loire Valley in France, he’s been a part of the Ramside Hall Hotel team since 2012. Favourite thing about the job? Looking after a restaurant with such a great reputation and being able to call the team that I work with, my own. The food and drink served at Rib Room are of such a high standard - and our wine list is one of the best around in my opinion. I have a real passion for wine and the variety we are able to offer is very exciting. It’s one of the reasons we stand out. Every day on the job is different and I’m surrounded by a great team of staff a lot of whom are younger than me, which I also like. Memorable moment? What I will always take with me is the look on customers’ faces after they’ve enjoyed a great meal with us. Seeing customers happy, tucking into their food and perhaps discovering a new bottle of wine or two, gives me great satisfaction. It’s all about creating the best possible dining experience we can for them. I’ve worked all over Europe; from Austria to Germany, Jersey and, of course, France, but nothing beats working for Ramside Hall Hotel.

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HARDWICK HALL Welcome to Hardwick Hall Hotel, a stunning property of Ramside Hall Hotel that’s individual in style, character and class. It’s somewhere to mix business with pleasure in luxury surroundings…

Ramside Estates Magazine

he privately-owned hotel, conveniently settled in the Tees Valley, surrounded by the magnificent Hardwick Country Park, is one of the best in County Durham and Teesside. A regular award-winner when it comes to accommodation, catering and customer service, it’s a destination for luxurious weekends away, memorable staycations and conferences and events with a difference. It’s also the place for some of the North East’s most spectacular festivals and fundraisers; its Lobster Charity Ball, Hardwick Live Festival and annual North East Oyster Festival are now firm fixtures in the region’s social calendar, attracting hundreds of music fans and partygoers. Find it just off the A1 (M) at Sedgefield, just a short drive away from the historic city of Durham and its stunning heritage coast, close to Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Darlington.

REST Hardwick Hall Hotel is home to over 50 luxury bedrooms for guests to unwind in; a mix of individually-designed standard, premier and deluxe spaces, offering exceptional levels of comfort, attractive, boutique-style decor and state-of-the-art facilities. Find extra large baths and walk-in showers for all your pampering needs, super king-size beds for a restful night's sleep and contemporary furnishings at every turn, along with Sky TV, free Wi-Fi and complimentary treats and toiletries. Every room is unique in design, reflecting

the grandeur, elegance and character of the historic property and most serve up breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland.

CELEBRATE With four magnificent suites to hire, as well as a paddock marquee available during the summer months, it’s no wonder Hardwick Hall Hotel is one of Durham’s most popular and unique wedding venues and one of the North East’s major event destinations. If an outdoor ceremony is what your heart desires, then head to the gardens. The paddock marquee, with its own private garden and beautiful views, is the perfect place to enjoy an intimate, summer garden-style wedding and there’s also the option to hire larger marquees, which can seat up to 1,500 guests, during selected months of the year. The hotel also hosts civil ceremonies and welcomes parties of all sizes looking for somewhere to celebrate big-time events, such as birthdays and anniversaries.

MEET UP Those travelling for business are spoilt for choice when it comes to meeting and event facilities. The hotel’s various spaces have been designed to suit all kinds of gatherings, from small meetings, to larger conferences and elaborate corporate events, with free Wi-Fi throughout, state-of-the-art facilities and superb catering services on offer. Take a look

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“

I don’t sell beer,

I sell a feeling.

”

Alfred “Freddy” Henry Heineken 1923 – 2002

Working together with our customers

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around and discover four fully-equipped meeting rooms, which can accommodate from four to 350 people, or check out one of the hotel’s marquees - perfect for big, corporate charity events. On-site parking is also provided and guests can chat to the hotel’s friendly and helpful team about its deluxe, premier and 24-hour packages, ensuring their visit is tailored to their needs and runs as smoothy as possible.

FEAST Carnivores are kept happy at The Rib Room, where succulent steaks are prepared and cooked daily from Durham-raised Hereford beef, matured for 28 to 32 days and hung in the Rib Room Meat Locker, which you can see for yourself. Alongside speciality cuts, you’ll find a seasonal menu, showcasing the finest and freshest local produce. Go for halibut, done three ways, try some specials, from roast crown of pheasant to pan-roasted local venison, risotto and spiced chickpea burgers, and treat yourself to homemade puds, including sticky toffee pudding, lardy cake with thick English custard or salted caramel tart. Head to the Boyne Restaurant, with its oil painted ceilings, ornate cornices and stunning views of Hardwick Park Lake, for Afternoon Tea. Served on the finest china, treats include homemade scones, mini desserts and sandwiches and a great selection of loose leaf and herbal infusion teas. Enjoy traditional Sunday lunch over in the Lounge Bar.

Ramside Estates Magazine

H I G H D AY S A N D H A R D W I C K WAY S Hardwick Hall is the country house hotel which has something for everyone. We meet its new general manager Jon Hill...

hen Jon Hill takes a walk around the hotel that he manages there’s always a different view. It might be a joyful family christening, a celebratory Afternoon Tea, or the intensity of a murder

exciting food and drink stalls, including a champagne tent. It’s a really popular summer event.” Hardwick Live is part of the ever-expanding activity at the hotel, which makes it a go-to destination in County Durham. Close to Sedgefield Racecourse, the A1 and Durham city, it

mystery evening. Or then again, a lively Sunday lunch, a summer wedding, a charity ladies’ lunch, or Hardwick's extravagant Lobster Festival. Even a music festival! Which is exactly what Jon loves about Hardwick Hall. “It is everything to everyone”, says Jon, who first joined the hotel in 1999. Since then, he has worked in all aspects of the Ramside Estates business, returning to Hardwick to take on the role of general manager in spring 2018. “I will wander round and see people checking in, celebrating with their family and just enjoying their surroundings. “We have a beautiful hotel in outstanding parkland, which feels as though it is in a world of its own. It is an unrivalled location of country house, gardens and lake. “There is always something different happening, so every day is different. Our new bar area is really popular and so we’re getting more local people coming in and enjoying a drink and dinner with us, which completes the circle for us.” Unlike any other hotel, Jon also has the added extra of a huge musical festival in his hotel grounds to deal with during the summer. This year’s Hardwick Live event will take place on August 18 and 19, featuring Kaiser Chiefs, Heather Small, Echo and the Bunnymen, Feeder, The Cuban Brothers and many more acts. Nearly 20,000 people visit the festival, which has its own campsite in the hotel grounds and the attraction of masses of family activities and crafts. This year there will also be a gourmet dining element with the region’s best-known chefs serving up bespoke menus during the event. “There’s a great atmosphere at the festival, with good music and also the best of the Ramside Estates business. We’ll have a pop-up bar from our venue Colonel Porters and plenty of

is easy to get to and an oasis of calm in its green landscape. The hotel is celebrating an impressive new look, following the completion of a £500,000 refurbishment. Centre stage is a revamped bar and lounge area. At the same time the hotel’s Boyne Suite, which can host up to 120 guests, has benefited from a new carpet, curtains and complete redecoration. The four-star hotel, which is in the picturesque setting of Hardwick County Park, has 50 bedrooms and offers a range of dining options, including the acclaimed Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill. It also has a number of suites and meeting rooms and erects large marquees at various points throughout the year, which can hold up to 1,500 people.

We have a beautiful hotel in outstanding parkland which feels as though it is in a world of its own

Ramside Estates Magazine

Owner John Adamson says the new look hotel has already been positively received. “We’ve created a stylish and welcoming bar and lounge area, but still very much kept the hotel’s traditional feel,” he said. “It’s already being well used for everything from Afternoon Tea to casual dining and we are very pleased with the results and how much great feedback we are getting from our guests.” For Jon Hill, the hotel’s family history is what makes it a destination with a difference. “I know that it was where owner John Adamson lived as a child, so for him and for us, it is much more than a hotel. I brought my own children up here and my wife Zoe is reception manager – so it is a place that means a lot to us," adds Jon. “There’s not a weekend when it’s not packed with people enjoying themselves, whatever the occasion, and that is lovely to see.” The future holds more exciting developments at Hardwick Hall. An exclusive Celebration Suite is being created with its own hot-tub and luxurious décor, as well as a threebedroomed apartment with rooftop jacuzzi. www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

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HEADLINING WITH HEART Kaiser Chiefs make their welcome return to the North East this summer as official openers of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jam-packed Hardwick Live festival. For frontman, Ricky Wilson, a trip back to the North East always feels like coming homeâ&#x20AC;Ś

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very year, as the weather heats up and thoughts turn to long, balmy nights of feel-good tunes and alfresco dining, music fans flock to the grounds of Hardwick Hall for the North East’s hottest festival - Hardwick Live. The region’s biggest live music event, which has been drawing in the crowds since 2013, is a true celebration of all styles of music, from rock and soul, to country and pop, and this year it is set to be bigger and better than ever before, promising two full days of top-class live entertainment, family-friendly fun and - for the first time a unique dining experience, featuring celebrity chefs and renowned local foodies. A place in which you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with superstars, fashionistas, farmers and world-class cooks, it aims to give all guests, whatever their age and tastes, an unforgettable weekend experience. 2018’s extravaganza takes place on Saturday 18 August and Sunday 19 August, when a host of top acts from the world of music, as well as a number of local, up-and-coming bands, will take to the festival’s two stages; the main arena, which can host up to 9,000 people, and the discovery stage, big enough for 1,000 fans. This year’s headliners, the multi-award winning Kaiser Chiefs, will kick off proceedings, treating festival-goers with live, electric versions of all their major hits, including Ruby, Every Day I Love You Less and Less and their ultimate party crowdpleaser, I Predict a Riot, on Saturday. The indie favourites, fronted by Ricky Wilson, are no stranger to showing off their stuff on North East turf. The band have made regular trips to the region over the last few years, teaming up with local charities, Nordoff Robbins and Graham Wylie Foundation, to raise funds for underprivileged and vulnerable children and people. Recently, their efforts have included headlining Rock n Raise, a music festival held at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena, and joining Newcastle music legend, Sting, to open Nordoff Robbins’ brand new Music Therapy Centre in Jesmond. Keyboardist, Nick Baines, has also taken part in the Great North Run. “I have a real affection for the North East,” said Ricky. “My dad is from Seaham and one of my best mates lives in North Shields, so I love making the trip up here. It feels a bit like coming home.” “We always have a blast performing here - the atmosphere is electric. The Geordies definitely know how to party! We’re chuffed to be such a big part of this year’s Hardwick Live. The line-up is amazing and we’re looking forward to coming face to face with the North East crowds once again.” Joining Ricky and his bandmates as part of this year’s packed programme are 1980s rock band, Happy Mondays, led by

“We always have a blast performing here. The Geordies definitely know how to party!"

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singer-songwriter Shaun Ryder, soul singer Heather Small, former Spicegirl, Melanie C, former Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, Shed Seven, Feeder, Echo and the Bunnymen, Public Image Limited and many more, plus a number of the UK’s leading DJs. Among them will be disc-spinning legends, Brandon Block and Danny Rampling, both of whom will be returning to Hardwick for the second time, as well as Graeme Park, Greg Wilson, Linden C and Michael Johnson, who will be taking to the decks at various times over the weekend. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Alongside chart-topping tunes, this year’s event will be serving up a variety of culinary delights for foodies to explore and enjoy. Once again, the festival will play host to a number of tempting food stalls, dishing up some of the region’s best street food, from fresh fish and chips and hog roasts, to gourmet burgers and pizzas, and cuisine from around the globe. Brand new for 2018, festival-goers will also be given the

chance to taste the talents of three of the North East’s leading chefs; Terry Laybourne of 21 Hospitality Group; Marcus Bennett of Cena, Yarm, and The Bay Horse, Hurworth; and Chris Finnegan, head chef at The Impeccable Pig, Sedgefield. The event’s new ‘Dine in Style’ concept, which must be booked in advance, will see the renowned chefs prepare four three-course meals over two days, live in front of their guests, in the comfort of a new marquee. Entry includes a glass of Taittinger Champagne and a carefully-selected wine list will be on offer. Thirsty festival-goers, meanwhile, will be able to find their favourite tipples at a number of pop-up bars, including dedicated mojito and craft ale tents, a spirit-filled Colonel Porter’s marquee, champagne marquee sponsored by Taittinger and the event’s ever-popular Pimm’s & Prosecco vans. There will also be a dedicated children’s area within the grounds - a place for youngsters and families to gather

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and play. Activities will include face-painting, storytelling, magic, ventriloquist and comedy shows, pottery-making workshops, alongside thrilling vintage fairground rides. “We try to keep each event as fresh and exciting as possible and this year’s festival is set to be one of our best yet,” said event organiser, Jonathan Woodliffe. “The fact that it will be held over two full days means we’ve been able to pack as much fun in as possible, catering for more people and their needs and tastes. Guests can expect plenty of variety in terms of music, food and drink and family-friendly entertainment, with lots going on for the whole family. “We’re incredibly excited with this year’s star-studded music line-up and we hope our brand new Dine in Style event will be a big hit with the region’s food-lovers. Hardwick Live remains one of the region’s biggest calendar fixtures and we can’t wait to once again welcome the crowds - it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.” John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates which runs Hardwick Live, is looking forward to the event. “Hardwick Live is always a great event and it’s a pleasure to see it return again this year,” he said. “We’re looking forward to showcasing the stellar musical line-up to the Hardwick Live crowds and we hope revellers will join us in celebrating what’s set to be a weekend of incredible music.” For more information about Hardwick Live Festival 2018, or to book tickets, visit www.hardwicklive.co.uk

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T H E WA I T I N G G A M E Just call me Jeronimo. Hardwick Hall’s head waiter, Joao ‘Jeronimo’ Martins, has made the North East his home, spending nearly 50 years with the Ramside Estates team...

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Artist Mel Holmes created this mural featuring Hardwick Hall’s owner and friends – among them former prime minister Tony Blair whose home in his Sedgefield constituency was close by. Back row: Rita Martins, George Bolam, the late Michael Adamson, Tony Blair, Jeronimo Martins. Front row: John Adamson, Freddie Watson, Chris Dawson, Robin Ward, Denis Craggs, the late Frank Craggs, John Wade.

e’s served heads of state, world-class footballers and sporting superstars. But Hardwick Hall’s head waiter, Jeronimo Martins, is something of a hero on his own home turf, clocking up an amazing 49 years with the Ramside Estates group. He headed to the North East after Michael Adamson, father of John, the current Ramside Estates MD, met him working at a hotel in Jersey, Channel Islands. As Jeronimo explains; “I was working in Jersey having come there from Reids in Madeira. “John’s father, Michael, came over to Jersey to recruit staff for his business. Ten or 12 Portuguese staff came over to join the hospitality team.” Hardwick Hall Hotel was converted from a maternity hospital in 1969 and since then Jeronimo has seen the hotel grow from the original 17 bedrooms to the ever-expanding hotel is it is now. As head waiter he has served Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and sporting stars such as Frank Bruno. When US president George Bush came to the UK in 2003, he got a real taste of a true Brit village pub. He had been due to visit Hardwick Hall but, recalls Jeronimo; “there were too many trees – it was a security

As head waiter he has served Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and sporting stars such as Frank Bruno

nightmare”. Instead Tony Blair – whose constituency was Sedgefield – took him for fish and chips in The Dun Cow pub, then part of the Ramside group. As head waiter, Jeronimo was part of the hospitality team for these big occasions, as he continues to be, even at 74, playing a key part in events at the hotels; from weddings to outside catering events and high profile social occasions such as North East Oyster Festival and Lobster Charity Ball which support local causes. Jeronimo worked alongside his wife Rita at the hotel for many years and they now have two children and three grandchildren. He returns to see family in Portugal twice a year, but has also made a family within the Ramside Estates group: "The Adamsons have always said I am part of the family. But one of the things I also love about my job is that I have watched many families as they have grown and returned with their own families to celebrate at the hotel", he says. Jeronimo has also seen big changes in food trends and dining tastes over the years. As a young waiter he would prepare and cook retro dishes at a diner's table - such as beef stroganoff, steak diane and crepe suzette - with the dramatic flourish of flames from the theatrical flambe. In terms of weddings things have changed too says Jeronimo; "When I started, the wedding breakfast was in the afternoon and wedding over by tea-time - there was no such thing as the 'night-do'", he laughs.

65 2

Ramside Estates Magazine commercial feature Ramside Estates Magazine commercial feature

AD VISIN G T H E E N T RRAMSIDE EPRENEURS UNW SUPPORTING Wilson ofjourney Newcastle based accountancy risk. The at UNW worked tonew assess the It’s been aAndrew long and fruitful for Ramside changing, and it’steam brought a completely advisory firm UNW celebrates the openingdimension riskstoinvolved and the complex Estates in and the six years since planning was approved the hotel to ensure that we meet those and Ramside Hall’s new spa with important issues – including to invest inofthe spa and hotel facilities, andowner UNW expectations. UNWtax have been a vital partthe in capital gains corporate have beenJohn with Adamson. them at every step along the way. enablingand us to do that.”tax liabilities had been considered Spa atinto Ramside Hall Hotel is a spa fantastic new and properly managed.’ With £16mThe invested the state-of-the-art “The advice, support and professionalism we’ve resort that brings the best very in best in health, Wilson, Partner UNW added; facility, which delivers the very health and beauty receivedAndrew from them overManaging the past 10 yearsat has relaxation to the been easy delighted to provide expertise wellbeing,and Ramside Estates canarea, relaxfollowing safe in thea £16m ensured‘We’ve I can sleep at night. Having the a close investment and the creation ofwell 60 new on financial issues to support thisand family-owned, knowledge that their financial affairs are in jobs. relationship with your accountant is vital has A major that required considerable been a major entrepreneurial businessme in pursuit the order as they look project to implement furtheraexpansion factor in allowing to growofmy input from a range of advisors before the hard business. considered of their businesses through over the coming years. Current plans in the pipeline Long maygrowth it continue!” work of construction work and even began, UNW Andrew well-managed investment. We worksaid: with many include the building of luxury lodges Wilson, Managing Partner at UNW, accountancy advisory firm,and based in similar family-run businesses in the region – treehouses, new roomsand within the hotel a new “The continued investment by Ramside Estates Newcastle, worked entrepreneurs who put theof needs of the business multi-purpose function room capable of seating encapsulates the entrepreneurism the Adamson the directors to determine the value and family and firsttheir and desire ensuretothey continue to develop a over 2000with people. deliver the very best risksthe of this significant investment and the tax offeringsustainable business that gets thetobalance Talking about impact of the new spa, Ramside in their sector. We are delighted have right implications to the organisation. andtogenerates a good Estate owner John Adamson said: “It has been a been able support this with return.’ a broad range of Johnfor Adamson, owner of access Ramside Estates huge success us, allowing us to new services over the years, and explained; spa been a major investment revenue markets and‘The catch uphas with international really enjoy working with for us, oneand thatexpectations, was not without competitors. Times, are considerable John and the team.”

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SWINE, DINE AND SLEEP The Impeccable Pig is a brand new restaurant with rooms in the village of Sedgefield bringing a sense of style and fun to food and drink...

overs of good wine, classic bistro dishes and the comfiest of beds in the perfect pub are going to make friends with the Impeccable Pig. He comes with a side order of quirky charm in a restaurant-with-rooms that promises a unique and rustic atmosphere. He knows a thing or two about impeccable wine – the list is extensive and backed up for ale lovers with a superb selection of local real ales. He serves bistro style food, with good honest ingredients. Simple. No fuss. Just great flavours. And he likes to hog the bed. So you can choose from ten spacious and extremely comfortable rooms to lay your head. Each one is subtly themed with a tale or two behind them and some extra special features.

At the helm of Impeccable Pig in the heart of Sedgefield is general manager and French chap, Pierre Bertolotti. He’s worked at some of the North East and UK’s best hotels and recently returned to the region from a global travel adventure. Hospitality is in his blood and he’s delighted to be bringing this pet pig project to Sedgefield; “It is fantastic to be putting a mark on a new place and area where there is now so much on offer”, he says. “We want Impeccable Pig to be fun, friendly and engaging – we hope it will blow people’s socks off’! “It’s a cheeky, fun and quality restaurant with rooms. A place to eat that will be perfect for a quiet bite after work or a memorable birthday bash”, says Pierre. He spent more than year travelling the world, including a

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spell working in Australia before making the decision to return to the North East. “Sunshine doesn’t fix everything”, he laughs. “I’m obviously French but came to the UK in 2002 and have loved it ever since. We decided to return to Europe from Australia but never questioned where we would come back to. “We spent a large amount of time travelling to realise the quality of life we have here in the North East.” He believes the new restaurant with rooms offers something exciting and unique. "The Impeccable Pig’s interiors will be luxurious and relaxing with the feel of a private lodge", he says. The building itself is a former pub and the refurbishment makes the most of the village location and character. It’s an approach that moves away from the current style of painting the whole building one colour. Applying a more traditional ‘village’ feel, The Impeccable Pig boasts a more subdued Leaden Pink colourway chosen from Designers Guild applied to the main building, with windows and scalloped canopy in a Blanc Poivre Cream. The main entrance door is flanked with lanterns and bay leaf topiary plants housed inside zinc planters. As you enter the pub through the glazed lobby, you’ll discover a cosy snug in a raised area with an open fire that has a colonial reclaimed pine fire surround. The original walls are exposed and painted in London Roof, accented with a wall of classical Morris & Co Snakeshead wallpaper. The carpeted area is accented with rich leather seats and emerald green/gold curtains. It really is all in the detail with designers creating a quirky, eclectic and quality feel to the rooms. You’ll be amongst lanterns in antique brass with backdrops of Morris & Co Acanthus wallpaper in rich cream and golds that flow up to the open roof trusses. A large crystal chandelier is suspended from the reclaimed timber clad roof structure. Nestled between the first-floor windows, dressed with plantation shutters, sit the three commissioned artworks of The Impeccable Pig himself. Working back down to the dark, and mysteriously moody pub on the ground floor, you’ll find yourself in a relaxed environment where locals, visitors and residents can enjoy a fine range of local craft ales and an enormous choice of fine wines displayed within the brass canopies over the bar. The horseshoe-shaped bar sweeps into the glazed atrium with a bespoke marble floor inspired by the great floors of Italian design houses that lead through into the restaurant. The dark walnut bar seamlessly transforms the Carrara

“We want The Impeccable Pig to be fun, friendly and engaging – we hope it will blow people’s socks off!"

Pierre Bertolotti

marble topped dining counter, complete with brass table lamps for an intimate dining experience. Stepping back into the pub and under the balcony, sitting under the stock antique bronzed panelled ceilings, there are soft leather armchairs for a cosy beverage or light meal. Walking under the glazed roof light and past the open kitchen and fire pizza oven, through a set of glass doors walking over the glass floor where you’ll catch a glimpse of The Impeccable Pig’s impeccable selection of wine within the basement wine cellar. The landing provides a view through the crittall glass screen lobby and the walkway to a 14-seater private dining area. Sitting under a suspended canopy of wisteria and white blossom sits a handmade table formed in a singular slice of oak trunk. The backdrop to this area is an imported French mural depicting the travels of The Impeccable Pig. Beyond the stone courtyard seating, to the rear of the restaurant, sits the old brick Coach House with ten carefully crafted, subtly themed rooms all with individual names. These are set over two floors and very luxurious. First floor rooms feature 7-foot wide beds and freestanding baths in copper, nickel and painted finishes. The ground floor rooms have the added feature of secret gardens with hot tubs and seating areas. The largest room is the Pig Sty with a four-seater hot tub, an outside sauna and a BBQ (with your very own chef provided if you wish!). All situated underneath a beautiful festooned canopy of lights.

Ramside Estates Magazine commercial feature

LOCAL RELATIONSHIP BANKING

At Handelsbanken Durham, we do banking differently. We are a local relationship bank, built on satisfied customers, financial strength and

The branch is the bank For our customers, direct access to a dedicated account manager is important, particularly when buying a house or completing a business transaction. As well as an efficient and proactive service, we offer a range of solutions for both business and personal customers. These include everyday banking, asset finance, trade finance and invoice discounting as well as personal mortgages and buy-to-let loans. David Allenson, Handelsbanken Durham Branch Manager highlighted, ‘Our local relationships extend beyond providing excellent customer service. As a bank, we develop strong links with our local community. We are delighted to sponsor

traditional values. We are driven by our customers, designing tailored solutions to suit their demands. Branches are responsible for making day-to-day banking decisions and providing advice based on their customers’ needs, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives.

Durham Cathedral campaigns from Adopt a Book to Young Patrons’. If you would value a personal relationship with an experienced, local banking manager, please give us a call and we would be happy to meet up over a coffee.

Contact us on 0191 384 4200 or visit our website at handelsbanken.co.uk/durham. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered Office: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY. Registered in England and Wales No, BR 000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No, 502007-7862. Head Office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

FOUNDATION 2020 | GIVE TODAY FOR TOMORROW Durham Cathedral is committed to continuing to be open and accessible to all, with no entrance fee. However, it relies on the generosity of its supporters to ensure it can continue to care and conserve its buildings; within which hundreds of events, concerts and services take place. The financial and operational challenges of maintaining such a unique site are very significant and faced with a major conservation and repair programme, the Cathedral is making a strategic step-change in the way it manages the care of its historic buildings. Foundation 2020 aims to build an endowment of £10 million by 2020 to support the annual cycle of planned maintenance and repair of the Cathedral’s buildings to ensure they are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. To kick start the campaign, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £1 million to the fund which is available to match donations we raise on a 1:1 basis, so every £1 donated is doubled. This is a unique opportunity to make your support go further and make a real difference to the future of one of the UK’s best loved buildings. You can support Foundation 2020 in the following ways: Become a 2020 PATRON Membership starts from as little as £5 per month, or £6.25 for Joint Membership.

For more information about Foundation 2020 please visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk or contact Sophia Stovall, Relationship & Development Manager on 0191 374 4055 or email sophia.stovall@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Become a 2020 CLUB MEMBER We are inviting businesses to join our 2020 Club with membership at £250 per annum for the duration of the campaign.

All 2020 Patrons and Club Members will receive the following as minimum in return for their support: • 10% off Cathedral Shop • 10% off Undercroft Restaurant • 50% off annual pass to Open Treasure • Annual Magazine Dunholm • Invitations to unique events throughout the year including behind the scenes tours • New and updates about Foundation 2020

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B O W B U R N H A L L H OT E L They say things come in small packages and, when it comes to Ramside Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister property, Bowburn Hall Hotel, that is certainly true. A warm and welcome stately home, with comfort at its heartâ&#x20AC;Ś

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itting within five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, less than three miles from the historic city of Durham, Bowburn Hall Hotel is a charming, family-owned venue, known and loved for its collection of snug, luxury bedrooms, superb wedding facilities and impressive events spaces. Originally built as a showpiece home for the colliery agent of the nearby mine, the mini English stately home is a place in which Edwardian elegance and modern luxury combine making it the perfect place to enjoy a short break or business stay, or to mark a special occasion. Check-in and enjoy all the comforts of home and all the peace and tranquility of the English countryside, along with great access to major road routes and rail networks.

REST Whether you’re staying the night or making the hotel your home for a few days, rest assured you’ll be sleeping in luxury. Cosy up in one of its 20 bedrooms - a mix of twins,

doubles and executive doubles, single rooms and family room sleeping up to four - all of which have been individually designed. The hotel’s bridal suite, which has recently enjoyed a makeover, now boasts a brand new design and a range of contemporary, sumptuous features, including vintage chandeliers, luxury bedding and textiles and a standalone copper bath, for couples to enjoy. Two of the hotel’s executive rooms are also showing off brand new looks and there are also plans to build extra accommodation, packed with character and unique style, within the grounds of the hotel. Watch this space!

CELEBRATE Home to beautiful grounds, top-notch catering and timeless interiors, it’s no surprise that Bowburn Hall Hotel has become one of the most-loved wedding venues in the Durham and Teesside area, catering for civil ceremonies, big and small, Asian weddings and traditional receptions following church weddings, with the option to say ‘I do’

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inside or outdoors in the sunshine. Its experienced team of wedding specialists are there every step of the way, helping couples create their dream day in the most serene, intimate surroundings, advising on everything from wedding package options, which can be tailored to varying styles, tastes and budgets, and tempting food and drink choices, to the best suppliers, decor, seating plans and other special extras. What’s more, only one wedding is hosted per day and, for extra privacy, couples can now hire the entire hotel exclusively, allowing them full access to all areas of the venue, from the soon-to-be-revamped ballroom, which can host up to 120 daytime guests and overlooks the hotel’s manicured gardens, and all 20 bedrooms, to the bar and lounge area, conservatory and gardens. Those getting hitched in the summer

A charming, family-owned venue, known and loved for its collection of snug, luxury bedrooms

have the option of having their ceremony outdoors, with the hotel’s ornate garden gazebo as their backdrop. Up to 120 guests can sit in the landscaped gardens to watch the vow-taking, after which drinks and canapés can be served around the central, romantic pagoda. Fancy arriving in style? Why not take advantage of the hotel’s

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very own chauffeur-driven Bentley Mulsanne for the day; a jaw-dropping car, with leather upholstery, air conditioning, climate control and sun protection glass, that means youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be travelling in maximum comfort and luxury. Those visiting for business can hold meetings and conferences in the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-equipped meeting room, which offers full AV connectivity and free Wi-Fi, and the hotel also welcomes christenings, birthdays, celebration of life ceremonies, charity events, school proms and other special events and parties.

The kitchens of Bowburn Hall Hotel are home to some of the most talented and dedicated chefs around these parts; experienced professionals with a passion for home-cooked style cuisine, using as much home-grown produce as possible, from the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own free-range chickens, to vegetables and herbs, freshly-picked from the gardens of sister venue, Hardwick Hall.

exquisite starters, like baked scallops and fresh Craster kippers, and gourmet-style sandwiches. Groups can feast on sizzling platters and sharing boards and there are some great fish and seafood dishes available, too, such as grilled halibut steak, salmon and dill fishcakes and Portuguese fish stew. Stop by on Sundays for traditional roasts with all the trimmings, or why not treat yourself to a spot of traditional Afternoon Tea, with or without a glass of prosecco or champagne, in the private dining room? For weddings, chefs work with couples to create their dream menus, so whether you envisage the grandest of wedding breakfasts, sizzling BBQ-style plates, an elegant finger buffet, a hog roast, an Asian banquet or even a garden

The hotel restaurant menu offers something for everyone, from grilled delights and classics, including braised steak pie, hearty lasagne made with local beef and belly pork with crackling and apple fritters, to inventive vegetarian options,

picnic, anything is possible. Staff ensure a steady flow of your chosen wine throughout your wedding breakfast and the bar is always stocked with an impressive range of beers, wines, spirits and more.

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The hotel restaurant menu offers something for everyone, from grilled delights to inventive vegetarian options

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MTS Group are specialist providers of Bobcat plant hire, and are proud to supply Ramside Hall hotel & golf resort with a range of equipment for maintenance and repair work on both the Cathedral and Prince Bishops courses. At MTS Group we work with and range of industries, and offer a hire fleet consisting of Bobcat skidsteer and tracked loaders, mini excavators , telehandlers and specialist attachments all of which are available for long and short term hire.

MTS Group are your official hire and sales providers for Club Car golf and utility vehicles. We are proud to be suppliers to Ramside Hall Golf & Hotel, one of the North Easts largest golf resorts. MTS also supply many other golf courses up and down the UK including St Andrews Links and The Gleneagles Hotel, as well as many local golf clubs and individual buggy owners.

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Ramside Estates Magazine

MEAL MAKER We get to know Bowburn Hall's head chef Chris Burgess, the man behind its brilliant bar bites, home-cooked comforts and wondrous wedding food…

didn’t grow up wanting to be a chef… as a youngster, I was really into sport. I played football, squash and things like that. But once I hit 16, I decided I needed a trade behind me, so I decided to give cooking a go. I’ve always enjoyed food and I remember helping my granny in the kitchen as a kid, baking cakes and making pancakes, but I never thought I’d become a chef. But I’m 50 now and have been doing the job all my life - it’s funny how things work out. I’ve been at Bowburn Hall Hotel for 17 years… I started as head chef and I still am now, but my job has changed quite a bit over the years. Not only have I developed personally as a chef, my team has grown, too. There wasn’t that many of us in the beginning, but I now look after a real mix of people, from 18-year-olds, to 40-year-olds. There’s eight of us now and we’re all one big family. I really enjoy mucking in with the rest of the team - particularly the young chefs, who keep me on my toes. You won’t find me cooking much at home… but that’s only because I live a mere 10 steps away from the hotel, in an onsite cottage. It’s far easier for me to grab something at the hotel, which suits me just fine, especially after a long shift. I can’t remember the last time I turned the oven on at home. For me, every day is different… we tend to rustle up a lot of bar-style food Monday to Friday, then it’s a lot of weddings to cater for come Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We have around 60 to 70 this year alone. We can serve up to 300 roasts on Sundays, too. But I love the variety my role brings. I feel at home in the kitchen, regardless of what I’m cooking, or who I’m cooking for. One day I might be putting the finishing touches on a couple’s wedding breakfast, then the next I could be preparing lobster, or making hundreds of Yorkshire puddings. When it comes to our food, it’s all about quality… I know I’m biased, but I really do believe that the food we put out here at Bowburn Hall Hotel is some of the best you’ll find in the Durham area. Nothing flashy or over-the-top - just great quality and affordable, too.

We cater for all tastes and appetites… and try our hand at everything, from roasts, Afternoon Tea and BBQs, to grilled meats and speciality burgers, all of which are handmade, fresh seafood, classics like mince and dumplings, and great vegetarian options. Not only does this challenge us as chefs and keep us inspired, it means we serve all kinds of people, from families and couples, to big groups of friends. Knowing where our ingredients are coming from is important to me… everything from the meat and fish, to the fruit and vegetables we serve, all come from reputable, local people. Our 21 day-aged beef is supplied by renowned Durham farmers, we serve up proper Craster kippers and our fruit and vegetables are grown nearby, too. My ethos is, if you’re going to do something, do it properly - and we do.

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One of my favourite things about my job is the freedom to create new menus… I get a lot of my inspiration from my travels. I play golf abroad as much as I can and will make a point of eating out as much as I can, trying out different cuisines and discovering new flavours and ideas that I can take home with me. I like to make dishes up from scratch I much prefer it that way. I’ve never read a cookbook in my life. Making customers happy is what brings me the most satisfaction… I make a point of getting out of the kitchen to speak to the diners as much as I can. I like finding out what

they’ve enjoyed most about their meal, or perhaps what we could do better next time. There’s always room for improvement, but as long as they leave full and content, then I’m happy. Being a part of the Ramside Estates team means being surrounded by like-minded, passionate people… and it really makes all the difference to your working week. Support is everything, especially when you’re working long hours, through busy services, but we all group together as one and enjoy every minute. I think if you love what you do, it shows in your food.

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WOW WEDDING Blessed with eye-catching interiors and elegant indoor and outdoor space, Bowburn Hall is an ideal setting for grand gatherings and special celebrations. And for one Durham couple, it also proved to be the dream venue for their big dayâ&#x20AC;Ś

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aul Roberts and Laura Amos, both 33, tied the knot in front of friends and family at Bowburn Hall early 2018. The pair enjoyed exclusive use of the venue throughout their big day, making full use of its beautiful grounds, 20 attractive rooms, public areas, bar and restaurant. “We had a great feeling about Bowburn from the get-go even before we visited,” said Laura, a former teacher and florist from Killingworth, North Tyneside. “We wanted a venue big enough to accommodate several guests (we had 172 at our evening reception), but one that still managed to feel intimate and personal to us and Bowburn did just that. As soon as Charlie, the hotel’s manager, showed us around, we knew it was the place for us. We didn’t look at a single other venue after that”. The ceremony itself took place in the hotel’s grand ballroom, as did the wedding breakfast and guests enjoyed a sparkling drinks reception, complete with canapés and live music, in its conservatory, overlooking the hotel’s grounds. They headed outdoors, out on to beautiful landscaped

giving us the freedom to relax knowing that our whole day was just going to be about us. No rushing, no constraints or having to book other hotels for our guests. We were all under one roof, having an amazing time.” The pair opted for a style that was both timeless and classy, sticking to neutral tones of taupe and blue for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, Paul’s brother, Jonny, and best friend, Darren, and shimmering silvers and golds - the perfect nod to the winter season - for the couple’s mothers. A lover of arts and crafts, Laura made all of the invitations, name places, table numbers and favours - an individual jar of handmade chocolates - herself. Fifth Avenue Flowers, Newcastle, where Laura worked for two years as a florist, lent a helping hand when it came to decorating the ballroom and hotel staircase,

gardens, for group photos and the big confetti toss. “Having the hotel to ourselves was really important to us,

wowing guests with gorgeous gold and bronze vases and elegant glass candelabras, vibrant greenery, white linen and

The pair opted for a style that was both timeless and classy, sticking to neutral tones of taupe and blue

Ramside Estates Magazine

burgundy bouquets, and floral arrangements made with fresh winter herbs, filling the space with the scent of winter as guests entered. “It looked absolutely perfect - just what we had envisioned,” said Laura. “We wanted our guests to be truly wowed when they arrived and made their way around the hotel - and they were. The hotel is beautiful on its own, but the ladies at Fifth Avenue Flowers really helped transform it into somewhere even more special.” Chefs created a menu of sweet and savoury canapés, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, on the day, served during the drinks reception, and guests enjoyed a hog roast with all the trimmings as part of their evening buffet. The wedding breakfast included classic British dishes, from leek and potato soup, to chicken with seasonal vegetables, followed by Paul’s favourite, red velvet cheesecake, for dessert. “The food was amazing,” said Paul. “All of our guests

commented on how well fed they were and how great the standard of cooking was. Perfect portion sizes and tons of flavour!” Laura’s best friends, Steph and Sarah, were her bridesmaids, both dressed in floor-length dresses, with sparkling sequins for a touch of seasonal glamour. The groomsmen’s cravats and pocket squares matched perfectly, with the couple opting to add a touch of green and burgundy to tie in with the winter theme. Laura stole the show in an elegant lace dress by Mori Lee Madeline Gardner, which she bought from a small bridal boutique, five minutes away from the couple’s home in east Durham. “I looked all over Newcastle for my dream dress, but ended up falling in love with one right in my little home town,” said Laura. “I loved the shape of it, the feminine lace, and how elegant it made me feel. And the sleeves were just perfect for a winter wedding.”

Ramside Estates Magazine

Laura walked down the aisle to the sound of popular Teesside singer, Samantha Durnan, who played her own version of one of Laura’s favourite songs. Nuptials complete, Laura showed off her treasured wedding ring, which features a special, hand-engraved pattern copied from the lace design of her wedding dress, and the couple and their guests posed for photos, taken by local photographer, Jamie McElderry, in the hotel’s gardens, on the staircase, by the fountains and in the grounds of the whimsical walled garden. “It was the best day of our lives,” said Paul, who is from Wingate in East Durham. “Everything went so smoothly and the team at Bowburn were absolutely fantastic from start to finish - we felt as if our wedding was really important to them. All of our guests commented on how attentive they were - and this carried on to the day after

"Everything went so smoothly and the team at Bowburn were absolutely fantastic from start to finish"

when everyone was checking out. Overall, an absolutely beautiful venue, which its staff are a complete credit to.”

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Ramside Estates Magazine commercial feature

TO P T I P S W H E N S W I TC H I N G B U S I N E S S ENERGY 8 THI NGS E VE RY B U S I N ES S S H OU L D K NOW

Whether you’re an energy manager looking for peace of mind that you’re doing things correctly, a business owner looking to cut your costs, or a member of staff tasked with managing your business’ energy, the Great Annual Savings (GAS) guide to switching is ideal for you...

To get a flavour of what’s included in our guide, we’ve provided a quick rundown of the top 8 things you need to know to help you on your way to becoming an energy switching expert!

TOP TIPS 1. Don’t use a price comparison website. Whilst handy for consumers, businesses owners are rarely presented with the best deal. 2. Be smart, check rates throughout your contract and don’t leave it too late until you renew. 3. When switching business energy, don’t go with the first option available to you, explore them all. 4. Make sure your kVA capacity is set at the right level, so you aren’t overpaying. 5. Make sure you manage your energy effectively moving forward. 6. Install smart meters, trust us, you won’t regret it! 7. Encourage ‘energy awareness’ training within your firm. 8. Make sure your business is fully compliant with the latest legislation. The full and detailed version, found on our website at www.greatannualsavings.com, contains a series of handy blogs, videos and infographics to give you a much-needed advantage when switching.

HOW GREAT ANNUAL SAVINGS HELPED RAMSIDE ESTATES Here at GAS, we put these principles into practice on a daily basis with our clients. One of the shining lights of our portfolio is our long-running partnership with Ramside Estates. In total, we have helped the firm make savings of over £250,000, and this is how we did it…... RAMSIDE HALL Following a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the leisure destination’s existing energy contracts, our team of industryleading procurement specialists were able to renegotiate their current terms to establish significant cost savings over the course of their contract. As part of the continuous support service we offer our clients, GAS’s Energy Management Service Team are also assisting in the

ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Ramside’s current energy usage to establish long-term control over expenditure. BOWBURN HALL HOTEL Our team of experts carried out a comprehensive energy audit of the site and identified that Bowburn Hall had been charged for energy consumed by nearby properties. We were able to rectify the situation and have since established refunds of over £40,000 for the hotel. COLONEL PORTERS During an analysis of their premises, GAS engineers identified a gas meter compromised by previous building work. After rectifying the situation and rebilling their current account, we were able to negotiate a refund of £6,000 on behalf of Ramside Estates.

Ramside Estates Magazine commercial feature

TESTIMONIAL “We’re well on the way to establishing the hotel as one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the region. However, while we’ve invested a significant amount of money in new facilities, we’re also conscious of the need to keep costs under control, which is why we’ve teamed up with The Great Annual Savings Group. They have helped us to secure a good deal on our utility bills, which has given us extra security and cashflow visibility at a time when energy prices are quite volatile.”

Find out more about GAS by visiting our website at www.greatannaulsavings.com or call us on 0800 130 3514 to find out how we can help your business achieve excellence in energy.

John Adamson, Managing Director, Ramside Estates

0800 130 3514

w greatannualsavings.com

communications@greatannualsavings.com

/The_GAS_Group

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PA R T Y AT P O R T E R ' S Step back in time and wine and dine like 1920s sirs and sirens at Colonel Porterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emporiumâ&#x20AC;Ś

Ramside Estates Magazine

nspired by the life story of Colonel J Porter, one of the roaring 20s’ master brewers and the flamboyant inventor of Newcastle’s famous Brown Ale, Colonel Porter’s Emporium has fast-become one of Newcastle’s most popular and unique watering holes since opening its doors in the spring of 2017. A tavern, rum bar and botanical garden all rolled into one, the vibrant venue takes drinkers and diners on a whimsical journey back in time with its glamorous, Great Gatsbyinspired atmosphere, jazzy tunes and jaw-dropping decor. Schmooze and mingle under sparkling ballroom chandeliers, sip on vintage cocktails under the flowering trees that sprawl the bar’s ceiling, or feast in the company of old-school nick-nacks, trinkets and eye-catching memorabilia everything from stuffed animal heads, to hanging bird cages and gramophones. Created by John Adamson, managing director of Ramside Estates, it is a home that celebrates the journey of Colonel J Porter and his chum, chief chemist Archie Jones, through its inventive drinks menu; their beloved Newcastle Brown Ale is

and gents favoured fettuccine, couldn’t say no to a good chicken salad and loved lashings of lobster. Take a seat in the restaurant and take your pick of the kitchen’s small sharing plates, from black pudding bhajis and roasted padron peppers, to beer-battered cod bites and chicken liver pate. Snack on ‘fancy’ sarnies, like breaded mac ’n’ cheese in brioche, or toasted brown ale bread filled with ham, cheese and mustard come lunchtime, or don your glad rags and enjoy a slap-up evening meal of homecooked specialities, such as Mediterranean linguine, pinwheel sausage and mash, and proper fish and chips. Diners can enjoy hearty helpings of Sunday lunch, too, in the comfort of Archie’s Lab, a hidden den behind a secret bookcase, or stop by for a spot of Tipsy Tea - a curious twist on traditional Afternoon

served in its traditional form, alongside a stellar collection of real cask ales, premier spirits, signature and classic cocktails, made and muddled by expert mixologists, and over 100 rums to explore. It’s also a place to discover fantastic food. Its main menu takes inspiration from popular 1920s dishes, when ladies

Tea, served Friday, Saturday and Sunday, showcasing finger sandwiches, mini veggie quiche, fruit scones and brownies, tarts, macarons and mini versions of the restaurant’s signature rum baba, all washed down with vintage cocktails, gin and rum-infused teas and the finest champagne.

a whimsical journey back in time with a glamorous, Great Gatsbyinspired atmosphere

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DISCOVER MORE… Looking for a place to celebrate? Archie’s Lab can be yours for the evening - an intimate snug, inspired by the secret den in which Colonel J Porter and Archie Jones spent years concocting their secret recipe for Newcastle Brown Ale, before releasing it to the world in 1927. Reserve the space for up to 80 guests, or get together here for one of the venue’s popular rum or cocktail masterclasses. For smaller occasions, head outdoors to the Poetic License Botanical Gardens and enjoy your tipples surrounded by lush greenery and botanicals, under the stars. A perfect party spot that can be booked exclusively for summer soirees, or after-work celebrations on balmy summer nights. And for the grandest of gatherings, why not make the Emporium your own by hiring out the entire venue for the evening. Throw on your glad rags, choose your music, allow the drinks to flow and wow your guests with treats from the kitchen’s tempting canapé and fork buffet menus. Colonel Porter's Emporium, Ground Floor, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle, NE1 1LF www.colonelporters.co.uk

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NEED FOR SPEED Showcasing innovative engineering, the finest materials and powerful performance, the brand new Vanquish S Coupe is Aston Martin’s ultimate super GT. Ramside Hall Hotel’s general manager, Tim Boyd, takes it for a spin around the beautiful Durham Dales…

FIRST IMPRESSIONS I’ve always been interested in cars, but this was my first experience of being in the driving seat of an Aston Martin. Anyone who loves their motors will tell you that the day you find yourself behind the wheel of one is a very special day indeed - so you can imagine how thrilled I was to have been given one of the brand’s best new models for 2018 for five full days. What a privilege. The Vanquish S is a real head-turner; a car that demands attention, whether you want it or not. What struck me most was not only how good-looking it was, but the sound when you turned the key. Awakening its powerful V12 engine

sounds like firing up a rocket; putting my foot down and hearing it roar for the first time made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I couldn’t wait to get out on to the roads to see what kind of horsepower I was dealing with.

FEEL-GOOD FACTOR Turns out, this is definitely a car for need-for-speed enthusiasts. You can get from 0 to 62mph in less than four seconds - numbers that promise an exhilarating drive. The adrenalin rush you get from putting the wheels in motion was like nothing I’d ever experienced before.

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Another thing that impressed me is how versatile the model is. I drove it on all types of roads - from the busy motorway to wide, open country lanes - in both rain and shine, and it took to all conditions like a dream. It adapts and really holds its own on the roads, making you feel safe and secure - good to know when you have so much power in your hands. Then there were the gears - I was amazed at how it snapped through them. Shifting in just 130 milliseconds, the Touchtronic III ZF eight-speed automatic transmission delivers astounding performance and shift speed - really smooth and effortless. Inside, it’s pure luxury - that’s the only way to describe it.

The cabin is larger than I had imagined - and the same goes for the boot. Both are surprisingly spacious for such a compact, sporty-looking model and you get an impressive amount of legroom, too. I was expecting to feel ‘boxed in’, but that’s not the case with the Vanquish S. The leather seats, unique stitching, contrasting seat colours and high-tech sound system were a big hit with my teenage daughter - very stylish indeed. As for the exterior, what’s not to love? It’s an undeniably attractive car. Engineered to function perfectly, it’s made from aerospace standard carbon-fibre, which makes it feel lighter-than-air to handle, almost soft and loose (but not dangerously so), while remaining structurally strong and stiff.

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FINAL THOUGHTS Having the opportunity to drive a model as impressive and as eye-catching as the new Vanquish S was a total pleasure from start to finish - and an experience I won’t forget in a hurry. Whether for business, pleasure or a mix of both, taking it for a spin really is something else. It soars into action in mere moments and really shows off its stuff on country lanes - the kind you’ll discover in places like the Durham Dales, on the doorstep of Ramside Hall Hotel. Those driving it on public roads should expect the odd whistle or heckle - not to mention the countless stares as you pull up to traffic lights, or roar through crowded streets. But that’s all part of the fun and the allure. What else do you expect when you’re behind the wheel of a beautiful Aston Martin? Get out there,

It soars into action in mere moments and really shows off its stuff on country lanes

make some noise, and enjoy it, I say. I certainly did.

FAST FACTS 595bhp 603PS power 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds Top speed of 201mph 20-inch 5 Spoke Lightweight Forged Alloy Wheels Sport seats 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound speaker audio system New carbon fibre splitter, diffuser and side sills 6.5 LCD screen with DAB and AM/FM radio and USB connector and Bluetooth audio Carbon ceramic brakes 3 stage adaptive damping Full carbon fibre body shell

A DESIGN EVOLUTION DB11 is the Aston Martin you’ve been waiting for. Bold exterior, designed to exhilarate and elegantly crafted. Introducing the world’s finest sporting Grand Tourer, DB11 is

with the V12 model reaching up to 200 mph, with 62 mph

the spectacular standard-bearer for an all new generation of

dispatched in 3.9 seconds. What’s less expected is that DB11

cars available in V8 & V12 engines, boasting up to 600 bhp and

should also be the cleanest and most fuel-efficient DB ever

700 Nm of torque, making this the most powerful DB produc-

produced, such are the tremendous advances made by this

tion model in Aston Martin’s history. It’s also the most dynamic,

landmark car.

To book a test drive in the new V8 or V12 models or for more information, visit www.astonmartinnewcastle.co.uk or call 0191 263 5007 ASTON MARTIN NEWCASTLE, COBALT PARK WAY, SILVERLINK, NEWCASTLE, NE28 9NZ.

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OUT & ABOUT A stay at Ramside Estates opens the door to a host of events on the doorstep all year round. Here’s a taster... HERITAGE Durham Miners’ Gala is a genuine spectacle. More than 150,000 people fill the city’s streets to join the procession which celebrates the region’s coal mining heritage. Streets are alive by 8am with banners of former collieries, live music, dancing and marching brass bands. 14 July 2018 www.durhamminers.org

HIGH-FLYING Activities and entertainment on the ground, breathtaking excitement in the air with dramatic flight displays - and an impressive coastal setting, Sunderland International Airshow is always a power packed weekend of fun. 27-29 July 2018 www.sunderland.gov.uk

TALL STORIES The mighty Tall Ships Races sail in to Sunderland for a genuinely spectacular festival of the sea. A four-day festival packed with action and the mesmerising sight of stunning sailing ships. 11-14 July 2018 www.tallshipssunderland.com

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OAR-SOME Durham Regatta brings the River Wear to life with the second oldest regatta in the country attracting over 2,000 competitors and 10,000 spectators from across the UK. A great atmosphere with food and drink stalls, live brass bands and a classic car rally accompanying the most competitive and exciting rowing in the North East. 9-10 June 2018 www.durham-regatta.org.uk

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FASHIONISTA Catwalking: Fashion Through the Lens of Chris Moore Bowes Museum’s exclusive show presents 200 stunning images by the king of catwalk photography, Chris Moore. Capturing six decades of iconic fashion moments, Moore’s photographs feature garments from leading designers including Vivienne Westwood, Prada and Comme Des Garçons. 7 July 2018 - 6 January 2019 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

COUNTRY LIFE A right rural day out. Stanhope Agricultural Show is County Durham’s premier agricultural show taking place in the picturesque location of Unthank Park. The world renowned show offers the finest in local livestock, produce and crafts as well as live bands and show jumping. Second weekend of September. www.stanhopeshow.com/

READ ON

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@Catwalking

Durham Book Festival is a real pull for book buffs and those who love to listen to their literary heroes. Expect big names, plenty of activities for little ones and inventive workshops. 6-14 October 2018 durhambookfestival.com

SOUNDS Hardwick Live is one of the region’s biggest social events! Expect two full days of top-class live entertainment, family-friendly fun and, for the first time, a unique dining experience, featuring celebrity chefs and renowned local foodies. 18-19 August www.hardwicklive.co.uk

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Ramside Estates Magazine

SEA THIS The North East Oyster Festival in autumn is the region’s corporate and social event of the year. Just like Ascot - it's a day at the races without the horses. This 2018 feast will be on Friday 28 September at Hardwick Hall Hotel. North East Oyster Festival was created in 2004 by the Ramside Estates team and is now recognised as one of the corporate events of the year in the North East's social and corporate calendar. Ladies dressed to impress and gents in their smart suits arrive for a champagne reception and the entertainment begins. The atmosphere is electric with a cocktail reception, a fabulous fruits de mer menu, oyster stalls as well as complimentary lager, beer and wine. For the latest information call 01740 620253, or email info@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk www.theoysterfestival.co.uk

IF YOU’RE A SOCIAL TYPE Serious seafood is on offer at the annual Lobster Charity Ball, a gourmet charity event held annually at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield in spring. On the menu is an exquisite evening of cocktails and lobster canapés followed by Lobster Surf & Turf gourmet menu brought to you by the award-winning chefs from the Ramside Rib Room Steakhouse & Grill. For information call the Hardwick Hall events team on 01740 620253 or email events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk www.hardwicklobsterfestival.co.uk

TRADITION Durham City’s annual Christmas festival features craft stalls, regional food and drink and classic outdoor markets and more than 50 traders in Durham’s Market Hall. Live music performances, carol services in the Cathedral, reindeer and the traditional children's lantern procession. 30 November – 2 December www.thisisdurham.com

SHOP Durham Shopping Extravaganza brings together a host of designer pop-up shops under one roof at Ramside Hall to raise money for charity – and make Christmas shopping SO much easier. Individual designers bring unique products – from bags to beers, cheese to charming jewellery. All in aid of local charities. October www.durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk

SERENE SOUNDS Durham Cathedral Christmas with Cathedral Choir. As festive as it gets. Listen to the talented collaboration of the boy, girl and men’s choirs as they perform festive songs and Christmas carols in the stunning candlelit Durham cathedral. December www.thisisdurham.com

TASTE THIS Bishop Auckland food festival is always a pull on the food festival calendar. Celebrity chefs, inspiring demos and tastings. April www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

Time flies when you’re having fun and ViVAS is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Ramside Estates Magazine

Since 2008 ViVAS have been blending Bibendum’s passion for wine and Bidfood’s efficiencies of delivery to the on trade and we have gone from strength to strength. With over 10,000 accounts trading with ViVAS in the past 12 months we now have a strong foothold in the UK on trade and a range and service we can be proud of. With over 650 Wines, Beers and Spirits available to be delivered to you exclusively by Bidfood, ViVAS offer full support packages for customers; including a wine list print service, staff training packages and market insights to help you stay bang on trend.

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Ramside Estates Magazine

GOOD CAUSE North East Ladies’ Day is an event that brings together high-profile women speakers for a charity lunch and day of stylish shopping and networking. Held at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, the day includes designer stalls for shopping and fun. For 2018, the speaker is broadcaster Anne Diamond. 26 September 2018 www.neladiesday.moonfruit.com

RACE DAY Roflow Ladies & Gents evening at Sedgefield Racecourse is the perfect opportunity to get the glad rags on at one of County Durham’s most glamorous events. Live racing throughout the night and a DJ set after party. 30 August 2018. www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk

WICKETS Plenty of cricket fixtures throughout the summer at Durham’s home cricket ground, the Emirates ICG. For 2018 the big one is England vs Australia. 21 June 2018 For 2019 there will be a frenzy of excitement on the field of play at the Emirates, which will host Cricket World Cup fixtures. www.durhamccc.co.uk

FIRED UP Durham’s Fire & Ice festival is a spectacle for the senses, filled with eye-catching drama and events. This year heroes and villains is the theme for the ice sculpture extravaganza within the historic city. 22-23 February 2019 www.durhambid.co.uk

RIDE AWAY Feeling active? Hamsterley forest is the largest forest in County Durham covering over 2,000 acres of land. It’s a really outdoorsy spot with activities such as high-octane mountain biking, horse riding or heart-pumping walks and trails. www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest

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LOOK AHEAD Face the future with confidence knowing your finances are in good order. As one of the largest wealth managers in the North East, we provide stability with personalised long-term financial planning. Contact Gary Fawcett on 0191 279 7440 | gary.fawcett@brewin.co.uk

PE N S I O N S | R E T I R E M E N T | I N H E R I TA N C E | I N V ES T M E N T S The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444). BDM1670