(Image: The Manor House Hotel and Spa)
A luxury County Durham hotel has launched a new restaurant identity and menu as part of an ambitious effort to further elevate its dining offering.
The Manor House Hotel and Spa in West Auckland has rebranded its dining venue as Restaurant 1429.
Plus, the hotel has launched a menu filled with seasonal ingredients and modern dishes.
Sharing the news on social media, the hotel, which is a sought-after wedding venue, said: "A new chapter begins today. Welcome to Restaurant 1429.
"We've been working quietly behind the scenes to reinvent our name and completely transform our culinary offering... and today, the new menu officially launches, more still to come."
The launch marks the latest stage in the evolution of the award-winning hotel and spa, which has continued to evolve while becoming a popular destination for both visitors and local residents.
Restaurant 1429 takes its name from the year the historic manor house is believed to date back to and will continue to welcome both hotel guests and non-residents throughout the day.
According to the hotel, the refreshed dining experience has been designed around seasonal ingredients, local produce and a contemporary take on classic dishes.
Among the new menu highlights are confit pork belly served with bok choi, romanesco, rice, soy-honey-chilli sauce, slow-roast beef featherblade accompanied by horseradish mashed potato, seasonal vegetables, red wine jus, and roast cod loin with chorizo, cavolo nero, butter bean cassoulet
Vegetarian diners can choose from dishes including beetroot risotto with crumbled goat’s cheese, toasted hazelnuts, mint & parsley oils or chard cabbage with roast cauliflower purée, chimichurri, toasted sunflower seeds.
The restaurant's grill menu features sirloin steak, Cajun-spiced chicken breast and pork loin steak, while familiar favourites such as steak and ale pie, battered cod and burgers remain on offer.
Guests can also choose from a separate lounge and lunch menu, Sunday lunch service, afternoon tea and breakfast options.
In its announcement, the hotel encouraged both returning customers and first-time visitors to experience the changes.
Read more
'Goldmine' Northumberland bakery where 'fruit' tastes like cake from Gleneagles baker
'Dedicated' Teesside Indian takeaway named best in North East with signature dishes
Inside Bishop Auckland café crowned town's top-rated coffee spot on Trip Advisor
The post added: "Whether you've been visiting us for years or haven't stopped by in a while, we cannot wait to welcome you back to experience what's new."
Restaurant 1429 occupies the hotel's bright orangery-style dining room, overlooking private gardens and serving food from breakfast through to dinner.
The hotel has hinted at further developments in the coming months, saying there is "more still to come" after the launch.