They may be called The Hovels but two former stable buildings on the Harewood estate have been spruced up to become what you might term 'heritage handsome'.
And they have a starring role in an array of events, from weddings to birthdays, corporate gatherings and even canine catch ups.
The Hovels served as the sociable starting point for Yorkshire Life’s inaugural Waggy Walk in April, proving a hit with humans and hounds alike and showcasing a unique events space owned and managed by Harewood Food + Drink Project.
Designed by the architects of Harewood House, the 250-year-old stable block sits in the stunning grounds of the Harewood estate, surrounded by green rolling fields and protected parkland teeming with native wildlife.
Originally two separate buildings, the team at HF+DP connected them together via a glass atrium that floods the place with light. Adding in a commercial kitchen and bar, the buildings were transformed into the perfect events space. Sustainable as well as stylish, the whole thing is powered by a biomass plant fed by woodchips from the Estate’s woodland.
If you’re lucky enough to bag yourself a ticket to Hidden Harewood dining trail this summer, a stop here will be on the agenda – and let us tell you, it’s quite the experience. The Hovels really comes to life during private functions, where it serves as an intimate and atmospheric venue for a wide range of private parties, weddings, corporate events, BBQs, canape receptions, birthday and engagement parties, or something completely unique to you - like the Waggy walk breakfast! Nothing is out of the question for the team headed up by Eddy Lascelles and Josh Flesher.
With a capacity of 80 seated guests and 120 standing, the award-winning team of talented chefs including Head Event Chef Will Campbell use the very best seasonal produce sourced from the Estate to create delectable delights of your dreams.
Visit harewoodfoodanddrink.com for more information or book onto one of their upcoming events via exploretock.com/harewood
Dinner in the Woods
August 16-18, 23-25
Kathryn Armstrong eats the seasons
Harewood’s Muddy Boots Cafe swaps bacon butties and brunch for bistro dining nights throughout the year.
The relaxed dining nights showcase produce from the estate and seasonal ingredients in stylish dishes created by the Harewood Food & Drink Project chefs.
Earlier this year we joined chef Will Campbell’s spring dining evening at Muddy Boots to see what you can expect from one of these HFDP pop-ups.
They are hugely popular events with two sittings due to the demand. Muddy Boots Cafe by day is always comfortable and casual with a rustic vibe and popular with dog-walkers, groups of friends, families and lovers of the outdoors grabbing sustenance before or after a walk.
By night, the lights go down, music plays and candlelight twinkles. Muddy Boots is transformed into.....well, probably posh trainers and stylish sandals rather than stilettoes, if we’re keeping with the footwear theme.
Diners are there for exceptionally good food and that Friday night feeling of wellbeing after a week worked hard.
Will’s menu the night we visited oozed seasonality and freshness and more than a little skill in that kitchen.
Spears of Spilman’s asparagus were served with confit egg yolk and truffle cream – quite the unctuous combination – silky textures and the ultimate in dippy-egg dining.
Next up was Yorkshire dock pudding – a new one on me, but a Calder Valley speciality. It’s like a super-green and good-for-you savoury, herby stuffing – made, as the name suggests, from dock leaves, nettles and oatmeal. An earthy foraged flavour hit that was ideal alongside the richness of pork jowl and wild fennel.
Following this was a neat taster of lamb belly skewer with flavours of mint and just-plucked wild garlic, a pre curser to Hebridean lamb with braised peas and potato terrine – the colour pop of peas was gorgeous, the lamb tender and sweetly flavoursome in a rich jus and the potato meltingly moreish.
And dessert – of course it had to be rhubarb! A spin on favourite rhubarb and custard in this clever and pretty Yorkshire rhubarb trifle with cherry blossom and tonka bean flavours.
Quite the dining journey of Yorkshire produce with an inventive and so-tasty flourish. Muddy Boots Bistro is worth a journey – keep your eyes on the HFDP website for future events.
harewoodfoodanddrink.com
