Cricket legend lets corks fly at opening of new hotel

10:37am Thursday 25th October 2007

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The company which has spent £1 million refurbishing a Yorkshire Wolds mansion to create Ryedale's latest hotel is planning more similar ventures.

Burythorpe House in Burythorpe, an impressive mini-stately home, set in six acres of parkland, was given an official send off on Saturday by cricketing legend, Sir Ian Botham, who performed a famed Napoleonic custom of opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre to mark the occasion.

Operations director Frank Malone said the owners, Real Yorkshire Pubs Ltd, who also own The Bay Horse in Burythorpe, were planning to acquire similar properties to convert into upmarket hotels.

"Burythorpe House is ideally placed with its close proximity to York, the coast and the moors, and we anticipate attracting shooting and golfing parties, as well as race-goers because of Burythorpe being close to the racecourses at Thirsk, York and Beverley, " he said. He added that the hotel is particularly targeting weekend and shortbreak visitors.

The 13 rooms in the imposing hotel have been named after Yorkshire abbeys to enhance its image in the county, said Mr Malone, who before joining Real Yorkshire Pubs spent 15 years in the licensing and catering industry.

As well as creating 20 new jobs Burythorpe House is set to have a major spin-off economic benefit to the Ryedale economy because its chefs will be using locally produced meat and vegetables, and even wine, he added.

Burythorpe House also has a leisure club, gymnasium, sauna and tennis court, and is now applying for a licence to hold marriages at the hotel.

"The opening of the hotel is a major boost for Ryedale's economy, " said Mr Malone.

"This is our first hotel, and the company aims to build on its success by acquiring other properties."

Running the hotel will be manager Jake Hunt who has spent many years in the catering industry in his home area of the Lake District. "Burythorpe House is a top country house hotel, aimed at the boutique market, " he said. "It is in a wonderful setting and the Ryedale area is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist area."

As well as retaining the mansion's traditional historic features, and providing a 40-cover restaurant, the owners say they have embraced modern technology with plasma televisions, power and rain showers, roll-top baths and internet wi-fi access.