Review of the Talbot Hotel, Malton, North Yorkshire
I’d never been to Malton or heard of the Talbot Hotel before my visit in late June, but having spent many a Saturday morning in front of the television I was certainly familiar with James Martin, the Talbot Hotel’s executive chef.
The Talbot Hotel’s bedrooms mix tradition with modern functionality.
The host of Saturday Kitchen, who was raised in Malton, took up his position in the kitchen earlier this year following the Talbot Hotel’s £4m restoration and refurbishment. His influence was soon being felt on the Talbot Hotel’s new menu, which has local suppliers at its heart.
James Martin’s menus were soon making waves in the restaurant.
Although he is undoubtedly a huge draw for food lovers across the UK, there is more to the Talbot Hotel than Mr Martin. Indeed, there is little sportsmen will find that does not meet their needs prior to or post a day in the field. The Talbot Hotel’s close proximity to the North Yorks Moors and its various shoots (see below) makes it a convenient bolthole for guns. Especially in darkest winter when all one wants is to get into the dry, wash and brush up and then settle down for a drink and a hearty meal with the rest of the team.
Where else would you want to spend your time after the shoot?
The Talbot Hotel bar is well stocked.
The creative talents of Vivien Greenock can be seen all around the Talbot Hotel.
The entire Talbot Hotel, recently taken back by its original owners The Fitzwilliam Estate, has been restored and refurbished under the creative guidance of international designer Vivien Greenock. Her eye for classic British design has helped to give this Grade II* listed building a warm atmosphere, with pleasing hints of its origins as a hunting lodge and inn. Definitely a hotel worthy of your attention on shooting forays to Yorkshire.
Talbot Hotel location: Malton, 10 miles from the North York Moors National Park and 18 miles from York.
What we ate at the Talbot Hotel: Pea and watercress soup, hand dived King Scallops, Wateredge Farm loin of beef, Terrington lavender and hay roasted lamb, white chocolate and whisky croissant butter pudding and a caramelised banana and custard tart.
Talbot Hotel plus points: The £4m restoration and refurbishment has been money well spent. The facilities for sportsmen are excellent; a drying room, a boot drying rack and gun cabinet are on site and dogs can stay in rooms for a small fee.
The Talbot Hotel offers an out-of-hours service to guns lacking essential kit through its links with Yates Country Store in Malton, and has links with sporting agents. Sporting guests are also invited to use the hotel as a meeting place for their team – a very nice touch. The food was superb and a real credit to the vision and creativity of James Martin and his team.
Talbot Hotel drawbacks: The lack of any subtle background music in the restaurant and close proximity of other tables meant we had to endure every vowel and snort of our neighbouring table’s conversation. Some of the staff occasionally showed their inexperience whilst going about their duties but flaws like this are easily ironed out.
Shoots close to the Talbot Hotel: Raisthorpe (game and simulated days), Upper Helmsley, Waplington Warren, Warter Priory, Birdsall and Mulgrave are all within 30 miles.
Talbot Hotel cost: From £210 (offers available).
Talbot Hotel contact: 01653 639096 or alternatively visit www.talbotmalton.co.uk
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