We’ve teamed up with three local businesses to offer a tempting taste of 18th century life; all part of Richmond’s celebration of its Georgian heritage.
The Green Howards Museum is working with The King’s Head Hotel, Arkengarthdale’s CB Inn and Bedale’s Masons Yorkshire Gin during GeorgeFest 16; contributing two food related events to the festival, now in its second year.
The newly renovated King’s Head Hotel, a Georgian coaching inn, first built as a gentleman’s townhouse in 1717 dominates Richmond’s Market Place. Afternoon tea will be served in the ballroom at 3pm on Friday 19 August. As well as authentic Georgian delicacies, and an additional speciality drinks menu, The History Wardrobe will also be on hand, presenting ‘Oh My Poor Nerves’; a light-hearted look at ailments of the time, both real and imagined.
“We’re so pleased to get involved with the festival this year,” explains Kevin Charity, Managing Director of The Coaching Inn Group who own The King’s Head Hotel. “Our building was at the centre of the Georgian scene, hosting assemblies in the very same ballroom and providing lodgings for visitors who would come to the town for the races and parties during the ‘season’. With our afternoon tea event we’ll be giving guests a real flavour of what it was like to socialise at that time.”
The splendour of The Green Howards Museum’s Normanby Room provides the candlelit setting for the final event of the festival on the evening of Friday 2 September. Culinary gothic author, Martine Bailey has been working with Gareth Bottomley, chef at The CB Inn in Arkengarthdale to create a sumptuous menu to accompany her talk about the social history of Georgian mealtimes, and the inspiration for her book, ‘An Appetite for Violets.’
“Working with such a well informed and enthusiastic personality such as Martine has really inspired me,” says Gareth (pictured left with The King’s Head chef, Dougie Field) who is creating his pop-up Georgian restaurant at the museum for the event. “Whilst some of the things the Georgians ate on a regular basis would be considered unpalatable today, I’m confident our guests will enjoy our take on a traditional 18th century dining experience.
As well as copious amounts of butter and that new commodity – sugar, Georgians consumed huge quantities of gin, reportedly because of the dangers to health of drinking the water. We’re pleased to reassure our diners that they will also be able to enjoy an authentic Georgian drinking experience, thanks to Bedale based Masons Yorkshire Gin.”
Tickets for both events are available from the museum on 01748 826561 or via our what’s on section.
