Goldsborough Hall opens dining room as restaurant

The owners of Yorkshire stately home Goldsborough Hall are planning to open its dining room up as a restaurant to allow more people to enjoy the building and help showcase resident chef Paul Richardson-Mackie's skills.

Mark and Clare Oglesby, who saved the 17th Century building from dereliction when they bought and restored it in 2005, will open The Dining Room restaurant on 22 January where they plan to serve lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to residents and non-residents.

While Goldsborough Hall, which is also the Oglesby's home, has become renowned as a popular wedding venue and luxury five-bedroom B&B, it wasn't until Richardson-Mackie's arrival from Rudding Park that the couple considered adding a restaurant. 

"We used to send guests elsewhere when they asked where they could have dinner, but when Paul joined us we thought about doing it ourselves, so we thought if we're doing it for residents then why not do it for non-residents too," said Mark who is also looking forward to sharing the historical building with more people. 

Built by London lawyer Sir Richard Hutton in the 17th Century, Goldsborough Hall was home to Princess Mary, the Queen's aunt in the 1920s after her marriage to Viscount Lascelles. The Oglesby's spent a lot of time and money restoring the property, including the installation of a biomass boiler, and are keen to 'give people more reason to visit'.

"It won't just be like going out for a meal, diners will be visiting an historical house." said Mark. "We really wanted to find more ways people could experience it without having to be a National Trust-type visitor attraction.

"But it is also a chance to show off Paul's abilities as a chef. He is an amazing banqueting chef, but he is equally at home creating a gourmet menu for 40 guests." 

The Dining Room will be open everyday for morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon tea and dinner where diners can choose from an a la carte or seven-course gourmet menus.