Today’s news in brief – 28/3/25
Sopwell House has reopened The Brasserie after a refurbishment, featuring a new menu focused on locally sourced ingredients. The redesigned restaurant offers a contemporary yet comfortable dining experience. Executive chef Gopi Chandran and head chef Marilena Ungureanu have introduced modern takes on British classics, including starters like chicken liver parfait, baked scallops, and goats’ cheese croquettes. Mains include Cornish cod, braised lamb shoulder pie, and slow-cooked beef cheeks. The grill menu offers 28-day dry-aged steaks and shared ribs of beef, while Sundays feature traditional roasts. Desserts include Bakewell tart and artisanal cheeses. The redesign incorporates natural light, patterned tiling, and custom seating for group and intimate dining.
Warwick Castle has seen a 52% increase in overnight stays in 2024, with its 60-bedroom medieval hotel welcoming over 10,000 visitors. The boost comes ahead of key events like Comedy At The Castle in May and a summer concert series in August. Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western visited during English Tourism Week, emphasizing the castle’s economic impact. General manager Liam Bartlett highlighted the hotel’s broad clientele, from tourists to business travelers, benefiting the local economy. Local tourism board Shakespeare’s England supports the growth, with early signs suggesting a strong season ahead.
Hotel Indigo York has partnered with Pasta Evangelists to open a new multi-channel kitchen in No.88 Walmgate, offering restaurant dining and takeaway. Guests can also order fresh pasta via in-room menus. Pasta Evangelists co-founder Finn Lagun sees York as a prime culinary destination and views this partnership as a future model for hospitality. Andy Kendrick of Splendid Hospitality Group praised the collaboration for bringing high-quality fresh pasta to guests. Hotel Indigo York, known for its boutique design and spa-inspired bathrooms, aims to enhance guest experiences with this new culinary offering.
