The team behind the independently owned hotel and restaurant, The Dining Room, will put the historic city of Ely on the map for the very best in British cooking and as home to a stylish destination that has already been named by The Times in its 2013 list of World Top 20 Cool New Hotels.
Guests at the launch events enjoyed champagne and canapés with live music from the Ely Cathedral Choristers and an entertaining talk by author, broadcaster and esteemed British country house expert, Jeremy Musson. Guests included local Poet Wendy Cope, who wrote a poem especially for the occasion, the Bishop of Huntingdon and his wife, The Mayor and Mayor Elect and many other local dignitaries.
Set close to Ely’s medieval cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s house and museum, Poets House was originally three Grade-II listed properties built in the early 1900s. Following a sensitive, design-led renovation and refurbishment, the building has been transformed to create a beautifully appointed hotel, restaurant and event venue that combines timeless elegance with a distinct, contemporary twist. There are 21 individually styled bedrooms that offer every comfort, convenience and full butler service.
Executive chef Leah Jenson is bringing The Dining Room foodie concept to life with fresh, high quality ingredients to offer the very best of what’s in season in her signature modern-traditional style, with the emphasis on taste, flavour and superb presentation. The 55-cover restaurant offers choices that include a weekly fixed price Market Menu, dedicated vegetarian menu and an a la Carte menu with specials such as ‘Hay-smoked rump of Spring lamb’ and an eel dish created by Leah.
Wherever possible, local growers and produce have been sourced, with several new lines that are exclusive to The House Collection, including spirits from the Ely Gin Company plus local chocolates and sausages. Poets House is open daily for afternoon tea, cocktails in the Study Bar and a full range of banqueting, private dining and catering options is available for weddings and events.
Commenting, David Toulson-Burke, Managing Director of The House Collection said: “After months of meticulous preparation, we’re so thrilled that Poets House is open for business. In keeping with our philosophy of affordable luxury, we wanted to create something very special here in Ely that would appeal to local people and visitors to the region alike.”
He continued: “Judging by the wonderful response we’ve had from our first guests, we seem to have captured the essence of what people have been waiting for. We’re taking plenty of restaurant and overnight bookings plus seeing a lot of interest in corporate events, private celebrations and weddings. While it doesn’t look as if our team will be sitting back to rest on their laurels any time soon, we’re really delighted with by the warm welcome we’ve received.”
Image: Jeremy Musson and local poet Wendy Cope
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Enquiries about reservations can be made by contacting [email protected]. For more information about Poets House, The Dining Room and The House Collection, please see: www.thehousecollection.com.
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