Drewton's Newsletter

Spring Newsletter 2025

New Beginnings …

A very Happy New Year to you all! I truly hope it brings you good health, fun times, laughter, and new experiences to treasure!

We continue to be proud of our service, and place in the local community, and our teams work together as one big happy family. The passion, dedication, hard work, and supporting local, shines through our team, and it makes a difference to so many people.

As Chair of The East Yorkshire Local Food And Rural Tourism Network for the third year running, I stress that supporting our local farmers is of paramount importance. We must value where are foods come from and look to support family farms that have seen generations working around the clock, often in harsh weather conditions, and with low income and margins, little profit, and standardised supermarket cost prices.

The new inheritance plans proposed in the recent budget will give many farmers no option but to sell their land, to future plan. In turn, production and growth of business will be compromised, and we are already facing rising national insurance and minimum wage increases. Farmers and tractors have turned out in force to stop the family farm tax, and to spread the message that we will lose British food without UK farmers. We do NOT wish to be reliant on imported foods! End of!

In other news, we have brand-new purpose-built restaurant and function rooms to launch, our property development and restoration will see more houses being completed for long-term lettings, the holiday cottages will receive a makeover, the deli will have a brand-new takeout offering, and we’re all about sharing in our menus. There are also so many fabulous events, workshops, and festivals to look forward to!

Last November, I attended my first ever demonstration, to support the campaign for choice in assisted dying. A cause close to my heart and one I am extremely proud to be involved in, and which led to the historic vote where MPs supported Kim Leadbeater’s landmark assisted dying Bill. It has been quite a journey!

And … not only will my No.1 son, Freddie, be setting off to climb Kilimanjaro in June, marking his two years’ in remission from cancer and to raise funds to help others, but we are also gearing up for Drewton’s 15th birthday celebrations in October! As a family, we have a lot to celebrate and be grateful for.

As we work our way towards this milestone year in business, we would like to thank all our customers, suppliers, and work friends for the unwavering support and being on the journey with us!

Cheers to you all... Katie

Dog-Friendly Dining

The build is nearing completion, and we are super excited to not only welcome a brand-new restaurant entrance and coffee bar, but an all-year round dog-friendly dining room is something we’ve been planning for a long time! With artistic and creative interiors, it has to be a date for your favourite pooch! The new entrance will provide better access, with over 50% increase in indoor seating, and the courtyard seating plan will also allow for more flexibility and increased capacity.

New technology will improve the on-line booking system to speed up service and make it more efficient. Complete with a Dog Menu (no less!), we look forward to welcoming our furry friends to our beautiful new room with bi-fold windows, from which to enjoy the weather during the better months!

Provenance and Welfare Matters

Our Butchers are proud to source our meats from local farmers and reputable suppliers, with full traceability for provenance, and top welfare standards.

We have been buying top quality beef, pork and lamb from dealer John Penny’s, and award-winning chickens from Soanes Poultry in Driffield, since we opened over 14 years ago!

Local pheasant, duck and partridge game comes from our very own Drewton Estate, and Mark and Gerry of Black Apple Wagyu, are rearing the very best quality Wagyu beef, also on our Estate, which is now featured on our menus and in the Butchery.

All bacon and gammon come from Rookes at Elvington, near York, and Holme Farmed Venison supplies us with quality venison from its farm near Leeds.

Our seasonal bronze turkeys were a real hit this Christmas, as Dowthorpe Turkeys now supply us with the crème de le crème Kellybronze turkeys, which were delicious. Sausages, burgers, oven-ready dishes, and prime cuts are all produced by hand in our butchery department, and you’ll now also find rare breed meats in our shop freezer.

Out With the Old,
In With the New!

Our two dog-friendly holiday cottages are receiving a makeover this Spring and we cannot wait to reveal a twist on the country charm they ooze, with the touch of a magic wand, some enchanting colours, textures, furniture and fabrics, and with an attention to detail that will appeal to our guests … whether two or four-legged! Follow our social media for updates!

Seasonal Produce

Look out for the best of local produce during January to April.

January & February
Fruit and vegetables -
Apple, Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory,
Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Parsnips, Pear, Potatoes, Rhubarb, Salsify, Shallots, Swede, Turnips, Purple Sprouting Broccoli

March & April
Fruit and vegetables -
Cauliflower, Kale, Leeks, Salsify, Swede, Asparagus, Basil, Broccoli, Chives, Dill, Jersey Royal New Potatoes, Lettuce & Salad Leaves, New Potatoes, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rocket, Samphire, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onions, Watercress,
Wild Nettles, Wild Garlic

Tea For Two?!

Adding to our range of beautiful gift vouchers, we recently launched the Cream Tea for Two voucher, currently priced at only £15.50. A pot of tea and delicious homemade scones with clotted cream and preserve … what’s not to like?!

Love Loyalty

Have you joined our Drewton’s Loyalty Scheme yet? There are great member offers available throughout the week, with birthday offers to celebrate with family or friends.

Service With a Smile!

Anyone for tea? Our popular Afternoon Tea for Two is priced at only £45, offering delicious homemade savouries and ‘naughty but nice’ treats. Available from 2pm each day, with pre-bookings only, it really is the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon with friends and family.

Glossy gift vouchers are available so think ahead for a decadent treat for Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, or Easter! And you can now bring along your favourite pooch and dine in our brand-new dog-friendly dining room ... how wonderful is that?

Climb For Cancer

I am delighted to say that I have now passed my ‘danger zone’ of two years’ remission, and the hospital specialists do not need me to have regular appointments going forward! The whole experience feels surreal at times.

As part of my on-going fundraising for Castle Hill Hospital’s WISHH charity, and The Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Trust, I will be hosting another fundraising and Elton John tribute dinner on Saturday 26th April, and then my next big challenge is to climb Kilimanjaro.

I depart from Heathrow on the 6th June for the 10-day adventure, and the challenge I promised the doctors and nurses whilst living on Ward 33. I hope I can do them proud!

Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and the highest mountain on the African continent, at 5895m. Its snow-capped summit rises high above the dusty African plains, with huge permanent glaciers flowing down from the summit, and spectacular views and beautiful ice formations.

The trek will begin from the Macheme gate near Moshi in Tanzania, and I will be travelling with Discover Adventure.

Temperatures will range from 25˚ to -10, but drop to as low as -20˚.

Thank you for your kindness and support, and in helping me to raise over £18,500 to date. I’m hoping to double this in 2025, so any ticket sales, donations, or contributions towards the raffle or auction would be greatly appreciated!

All the best …. Freddie

Spring Forward

Make a date for Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter with beautiful bouquets, hampers, vouchers, or gifts in-store, and delightful Afternoon Teas and lunches to indulge in! Hard to believe but scrumptious chocolate eggs and treats will be hitting our shelves before long!

Sharing is Caring!

Our chefs are bursting with excitement as we launch a fabulous pre-booking dining experience with Sharing Sunday Roast boards featuring roast sirloin of beef and/or traditional roast chicken joints, Yorkshires, roasties, and plenty of veggies! Just top it off with a delightful sharing Estate Fruit Crumble!

Brand-new Sharing Sunday Roast vouchers are also now available, making for the perfect gift!

You’ll also find more sharing sweet treats on the Deli, including Billionaire Chocolate Tarts, Pear Frangipanes, Manchester Tarts, Bakewell Tarts, and Lemon Meringue Pies.

Dates For The Diary!

Sparkling Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch
Sunday 30th March
1pm – 3pm
Adult - £39pp & Child - £25ppt

Drewton’s Summer Food Festival
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June
10am – 4pm
FREE ENTRY!

Rocketman! Freddie’s Elton John Dinner and Charity Night
Saturday 26th April
7pm – Midnight
£65pp

Dinner And An Evening With Celine Dion
Saturday 20th September
7pm – Midnight
£48pp

YEEHAW In Yorkshire!
Cowboy Boots and Country Life
Saturday 10th May
7pm – Midnight
£32pp

Pie ‘n’ Pea Village Supper and Harvest Auction
Friday 24th October
4.30pm - 8pm
FREE ENTRY

Wine Tasting Extravaganza!
Friday 16th May
7pm – 10pm
£60pp

Christmas Craft and Food Festivals
Meet The Makers
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November and Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November
10am – 4pm
FREE ENTRY

Workshops

Floral Painting Workshop and Afternoon Tea
Monday 31st March
10am – 4.30pm
£85pp

Afternoon Tea Willow Deer Workshops
Tuesday 4th, Tuesday 18th and Tuesday 25th November
10am – 4pm
£99pp

Pheasant Painting Workshop and Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 7th October
10am – 4.30pm
£85pp

Sparkling Cream Tea and Festive Wreath Decorating Workshops
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November
10am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 4pm
£69pp

Sparkling Cream Tea Floral Pumpkin Workshops
Sunday 26th October
9.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 4.30pm
£55pp

Cream Tea and Willow Star with Lights Workshops
Tuesday 9th December
10am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 4pm
£69pp

Rounding Up

What an incredible year 2024 was! From unforgettable weddings and delightful baby showers to corporate events, dinners, parties and workshops, The Manor Rooms has created special memories for all of us.

Highlights include the run-up to Christmas with an enchanting evening with an Adele tribute, that left us all captivated, wreath-making workshops with Vix from Wonderland Blooms, and festive lunches and parties.

Going back to last May, Freddie hosted an amazing charity evening, raising significant funds for The Teenage Cancer Trust and Castle Hill Hospital - a cause close to his heart.

Then, in October, we hosted a community Harvest Supper to support three local parish churches: All Saints South Cave, All Saints North Cave, and North Newbald. Beautiful performances by South Cave and North Cave School choirs held us captivated, and an enjoyable pie and pea supper and harvest auction followed, raising huge sums of money, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, customers, staff, and suppliers of the Farm Shop.

The year also saw our team attending many wedding awards. While we didn’t win them all, the recognition affirms the love and support from our couples. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

There’s no slowing down for us in 2025! Our calendar will welcome many more bespoke weddings, celebrations, and events. And, we are particularly excited to welcome The Orangery, which will be a stunning new reception room, with private Italianate gardens and beautiful entrance, providing even more options for unforgettable events.

From Lisa and The Manor Rooms Team!

Exciting News, Love Birds!

Wedding Open Days

Sunday 5th and Sunday 12th January

Annual Wedding Fayre

Sunday 18th January, with an incredible lineup of industry experts, from bridal wear and photographers, to cakes, transport, entertainment, and more.

Awards

Since our Autumn/Winter newsletter, we are thrilled to bits to have won, been finalists in, and been shortlisted for even more local and national awards! It puts a huge smile on our faces to be recognised for the work we do!

We are delighted to have won …

Best Independent Retailer in the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards 2024

Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards - Winner of the Retailers and E-Tailers award

We are shortlisted/nominated for these forthcoming awards, so wish us luck and please vote, as these are chosen by the public …

Katie Taylor - Yorkshire Entrepreneur of the Year – Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025

Drewton’s Ltd - Independent Business of the Year – Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025

Countryside Wedding Venue – I Do Wedding Awards 2025

Wedding Coordinators – I Do Wedding Awards 2025

And we were very proud to be finalists in these local awards …

Yorkshire Post Excellence In Business Awards 2024 Finalist

REYTA 2024 Finalists for Remarkable Business Events Venue of the Year

Wedding Feedback

“The venue is absolutely stunning. Amazing views and a really flexible space that you can use how you wish on your wedding day. It’s all contained and in one area, so children and dogs were able to roam freely and there was no moving from one location to another. Just a really relaxed and gorgeous space.”

“The Manor Rooms is a unique, beautiful venue. It is a hidden gem. The countryside views are outstanding, and the venue itself is so beautiful and modern. Menus are creative and seasonal, and the quality is exceptional.”

“The Manor Rooms is a perfect location for a countryside wedding. The most ideal location, with rural countryside landscapes and proximity to local amenities. The Manor Rooms has a beautifully designed interior and exterior, feeling modern, rustic, and luxurious! We scoped out seven venues across Yorkshire before finding this one and knew immediately it was the one.”

“Excellent venue and amazing feedback from everyone who attended the wedding. People went out of their way to say how lovely the wedding was and how amazing the venue and food were. Excellent service from the team ensured a stress-free and perfect day.”

“The service we received was outstanding from the day we booked the venue. Our wedding day was beyond perfect. Lisa and the team ensured everything ran smoothly, and our guests couldn’t stop complimenting the venue and its beautiful setting.”