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<title>Battlesteads News</title>  
<description>All the latest Battlesteads News</description>
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<managingEditor>info@battlesteads.com (Katie)</managingEditor>
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			  <title>Battlesteads' Award Success with Best of Northumberland Win</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Multi award-winning hotel and restaurant Battlesteads, in Wark, has scooped another prestigious accolade at this years Best of Northumberland awards.
The Northumberland hotel was named 'Environmental Champion' winner at the awards ceremony on Thursday 07 November 2024, at Linden Hall Hotel, Morpeth.
This latest award adds to a long list of honours received by Battlesteads for its industry-leading sustainability and green initiatives, with further shortlisting including Sustainable Hotel of the Year at the up and coming Hotel Cateys ceremony later this month.
Speaking about the win, general manager of Battlesteads Katie Meyrick-Scott said: "We are delighted to win another fantastic award that celebrates our commitment to sustainability and the hard work the whole team here puts into running a successful business. Hopefully seeing what we have achieved will inspire more hotels and tourism businesses to improve their sustainability and introduce more eco-friendly initiatives."
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			  <pubDate>Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:24:47 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads Shortlisted for National Eco Hospitality Award</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Northumberland hotel and restaurant&nbsp;Battlesteads, near Wark, has been shortlisted for what is widely considered the Oscars of the hospitality industry &ndash; the Hotel Cateys 2024.
Battlesteads has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Hotel of the Year Award and will be going up against the best of British hospitality at the awards ceremony, held on 25 November 2024 at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.
The Hotel Cateys, now in their 17th&nbsp;year, recognise the most talented individuals, biggest brands and strongest performers in the hospitality industry. The shortlist was chosen by a panel of industry judges selected for their expertise and industry knowledge, making the Hotel Cateys the ultimate accolade in peer group recognition.
General Manager of Battlesteads Katie Meyrick, said: &ldquo;The Hotel Cateys represent the best of the best in the hospitality industry, so I am absolutely thrilled that Battlesteads has been shortlisted this year. Over the past 15 years we have been striving to be the most sustainable hotel in the country, as well as championing tourism in Northumberland, and it feels fantastic to be recognised for this by the judges. We&rsquo;ll be keeping our fingers crossed for the ceremony in November, and hoping we bring back the trophy!&rdquo;
Battlesteads offers a sustainable tourism experience combining a warm Northumberland welcome, accommodation including five eco-lodges, a restaurant showcasing the best local produce and home-grown ingredients, and a Dark Sky Observatory where visitors can discover the magic of the night skies.
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			  <pubDate>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:35:22 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Reopening on 17th May!</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Following the Prime Minister&rsquo;s announcement, we are so excited to confirm that we are fully reopening and can&rsquo;t wait to welcome you back safely on 17th May!It has been a long journey and we have missed you all so much.As you start to think about your holiday this year, why not make it a great British summer to remember with us!We are taking things back to a time when life was simpler, more joyful and definitely less stressful.We&rsquo;ve got all the elements you need for the most perfect holiday base, and what&rsquo;s more our&nbsp;Battlesteads Observatory&nbsp;will be re opening too.
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			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/reopening-on-17th-may</guid>
			  <pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2021 10:26:10 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>UPDATE ON THE NEW GOVERNMENT TIER SYSTEM</title>  
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			  Due to the latest Government Guidelines placing Battlesteads within the highest tier, Tier 3, we are extending our closure to align with the latest rules.
Although we are upset not to be able to welcome our fabulous guests back soon, we understand the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of the nation.
We want to thank you for your patience at this time, and if you have an upcoming reservation with us between 2nd to 14th December 2020, we will be in touch as soon as we can.
A big thanks to all of our guests, staff and the wider community for their continued support.
From all the team, best wishes, stay safe and we hope to welcome you back soon!
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			  <pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2020 17:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>IMPORTANT UPDATE – TEMPORARY CLOSURE</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Dear valued guests
Following last night&rsquo;s Government update, and in line with the new lockdown restrictions for England, we will once again be closing the doors here at Battlesteads from 10pm on Wednesday 4th November.
This full closure will include the hotel, restaurants and observatory and any events which were scheduled to take place during the lockdown period.
The safety of my team members and my guests has remained my number one priority throughout this whole pandemic and, whilst I am deeply saddened by last night&rsquo;s news, we must all do our bit to help try and reduce the impact of this awful virus.
We are hoping to reopen from Wednesday 2nd December, in line with the Government advice and guidance.
If you have a reservation that will be affected by the new lockdown, our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible and we will continue to operate a small reservations team throughout the lockdown period.
Please note we are currently experiencing a very high number of calls and emails and priority will be placed on guests arriving from 4th&nbsp;November to 1st December.
I would like to thank you all for your continued support and understanding throughout this challenging time. Myself and the team look forward to welcoming you back when we are able to reopen.
Please stay safe and take care.
With kind regards
Katie Meyrick-Scott
General Manager
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			  <pubDate>Sun, 1 Nov 2020 17:15:50 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads to Reopen</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Dear Guests and Customers
We hope that you have managed to stay safe and well during this extremely testing period.
There is no doubt that, over the last three months, the world has changed; as we all adapt to the new &ldquo;norm&rdquo;, we has been working behind the scenes in preparation for this new approach to life.
As you&rsquo;re aware, we closed on Sunday 22nd March in line with the Government directive, to ensure the safety of our guests, our suppliers and our team.
During the lockdown period, we have been looking after the gardens, making improvements and planting our vegetables in readiness of inclusion on the menu.
We have also had some wonderful engagement with our #talesofbattlesteads social media campaign, which has allowed everyone to share memories of all of those special occasions at the hotel over the past months and years.
Following the latest government announcement on 23rd June 2020. We are delighted to confirm our re-opening on 4th July 2020.
Our team is hugely excited to welcome you from Saturday 4th July, we are pleased to announce that our reservations system is now open online and ready to take your bookings for overnight stays, short breaks and dinners.
On behalf of the team, I would like to thank you for all the messages of support and for your patience during this challenging time.&nbsp; We are looking forward very much to welcoming you back in the very near future.
With my best personal wishes,
Katie Meyrick-Scott
			  ]]></description>  
			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/battlesteads-to-reopen</guid>
			  <pubDate>Wed, 1 Jul 2020 23:26:47 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads Temporarily Closed</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  To all our customersFurther to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s recent announcement we have taken the sad but necessary decision to close Battlesteads at 11.00am tomorrow (Wednesday 25th March 2020) for the shortest period as possible, whilst adhering to UK Government guidelines.We appreciate there will be people with general enquiries and ask you to get in touch via info@battlesteads.com to discuss anything further.We want to do what we can to lighten the mood in these sombre times, so please keep in touch through our social media channels.May I take this opportunity to thank the team at Battlesteads for their sheer determination to keep the lights on as long as possible. You are the epitome of customer service.Stay safe, keep well and we shall be back, stronger than ever, as soon as we can.Best Regards,Katie Meyrick-ScottGeneral Manager
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			  <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:07:06 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads COVID-19 Update</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  With the rapid global development of COVID-19 we would like to let you know where we stand.
As of midnight on Friday 20th&nbsp;March we are closed to all non residents of the hotel. This measure will stay in place until we are advised otherwise by the UK Government.
We are still open for residents of the hotel, and this will remain so until the UK Government announces guidelines for hotels.
If you feel that you still wish to support us during these testing times, we have a full range of gift vouchers available via our website, which can be purchased and emailed to you, for a loved one or friend who can spend it with us after normality resumes.
Stay safe, stay healthy and we will update you with any changes as and when the information becomes available to us.
Team Battlesteads
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			  <pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2020 11:44:02 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads COVID-19 Statement</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  TO OUR CUSTOMERS, FRIENDS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY
With the rapid global development of COVID-19 and yesterday's statement, we would like to let you know where we stand.
First and most importantly, we intend to remain open through this difficult time.
We will continue to follow guidance from the Government and as long as the business is safe for all, we will remain open. Our priority is to continue to support our Battlesteads family of staff and suppliers, we will do whatever we can to achieve this.
As business begins to slow down, we are adapting our operations day to day, thus enabling us to continue providing our guests and customers with great hospitality for as long as possible.
From Wednesday 18th March, we are making temporary changes to our current opening hours which will see us closing for restaurant service Monday to Friday during the hours of 10am to 6.00pm and 10am to 2pm for bar service. Additionally, we will be offering a takeaway service during the evening, 7 days a week, This will be a new venture particularly with those in mind that are in isolation, a post regarding this will follow shortly.
We hope that you all will still be able to visit us, so we can continue to provide the hospitality we have built our reputation on over the last 15 years.
If you feel that is not currently possible and still wish to support us during these testing times, we have a full range of gift vouchers available via our website, which can be purchased and emailed to you, for a loved one or friend who can spend it with us after normality resumes.
Stay safe, stay healthy and we will update you with any changes to our services as necessary.
Team Battlesteads
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			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/battlesteads-covid19-statement</guid>
			  <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2020 13:23:47 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads Shortlisted for a Trio of Tourism Awards</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Eco-friendly Northumberland hotel&nbsp;Battlesteads, near Wark, has been shortlisted in three categories of the North East England Tourism Awards 2020.
The hotel, restaurant and observatory will be competing in the categories of 'Small Hotel', 'Taste' and 'Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism' at the regional awards ceremony, which takes place on Tuesday 24 March.
Nearly 150 applications were received for this year&rsquo;s awards, which are organised and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance.
The awards play a key role in highlighting the importance of tourism in the region, which continues to be the fourth largest sector in the North East economy.
Battlesteads' success in the shortlisting for these awards is thanks to a combination of its industry-leading sustainability credentials, championing of home grown and local produce and boosting year-round tourism in the region through its onsite Dark Sky Observatory.
General manager of Battlesteads, Katie Meyrick-Scott, said: "We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in three categories at the 2020 awards, especially as the three categories represent the key pillars of our business &ndash; warm and welcoming hospitality, delicious local food and drink and an inspiring eco-friendly experience. We are looking forward to celebrating with all of the other fantastic local businesses who have been shortlisted at the ceremony next year."
Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: "Having launched the new look Tourism Awards for 2020, it's great to see the number and quality of applications that we have received. The refreshed format aligns the Awards more closely with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and gives a wider range of businesses a chance to be successful thanks to the new categories."
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			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/battlesteads-shortlisted-for-a-trio-of-tourism-awa</guid>
			  <pubDate>Mon, 4 Nov 2019 22:27:34 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>New Photos from the Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Our resident astronomers, astrophotographers &amp; guests have been busy taking some great new photos at the Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory. Check out the&nbsp;Observatory Gallery to see what they have been up to.&nbsp;
If you are interested in astrophotography why not check out one of our upcoming astrophotography events.
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			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/new-photos-from-the-battlesteads-dark-sky-observat</guid>
			  <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2019 14:36:52 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads Brexit-Proofs New Autumn Tasting Menu</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Northumberland hotel and restaurant&nbsp;Battlesteads, near Wark, is Brexit-proofing its new eight-course tasting menu, with a focus on home-grown produce and UK seasonality.
To ensure the availability of all dishes on the hotel&rsquo;s tasting menu, which aims to offer guests a true taste of Northumberland, Battlesteads has specifically designed the new autumn/winter menu to have no reliance on ingredients or products from the EU, in case a &lsquo;no deal&rsquo; scenario results in food and drink shortages.
The award-winning eco hotel grows much of the green vegetables, salads and herbs on the menu in its onsite gardens and polytunnels. Last year Battlesteads also introduced a temperature and humidity-controlled mushroom farm to grow oyster and shitake mushrooms all year round, and head chef Eddie Shilton also home-smokes meats, fish and cheese sourced locally.
Dishes on the new menu include a selection of in-house produced charcuterie, including Wark forest ham, saucisson sec, smoked duck, smoked brie and speck, with pickled courgettes from the garden; semi freddo and carpaccio of beetroot, with micro-herbs grown under LED lights; home-smoked salmon with lemon jelly; duck breast with savoury granola, black pudding 'prune', charred cauliflower floret and cassis jelly; a regularly changing dessert and Northumbrian cheeseboard.
The menu can also be accompanied by a flight of wines, sourced from outside the EU, and finishing with Battlesteads owner Dee Slade&rsquo;s homegrown and homemade sloe gin.
Head chef at Battlesteads, Eddie Shilton, said: "Our focus has always been on showcasing the very best local and home-grown produce, and our tasting menu offers the perfect opportunity to show diners just how fantastic seasonal UK food can be. Our gardening team, grows an amazing range of vegetables, herbs and fruit, and we are lucky to have some of the best producers in the country right here on our doorstep. UK-wide, 28% of what we eat comes from the EU, but our tasting menu is a true taste of Northumberland that won&rsquo;t be impacted by Brexit or our relationship with Europe."
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			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/battlesteads-brexitproofs-new-autumn-tasting-menu</guid>
			  <pubDate>Fri, 30 Aug 2019 17:16:03 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads Named Most Sustainable Hospitality Business in the Country</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Northumberland hotel and restaurant Battlesteads, near Wark, has been awarded one of the highest accolades in UK hospitality &ndash; the Sustainable Business Award at The Cateys 2019.
The Cateys, now in their 36th year, recognise the most talented individuals, biggest brands and strongest performers in the hospitality industry. Chosen by a panel of highly-respected industry judges, the awards are the pinnacle of success in the hospitality industry.
Battlesteads received the coveted award for sustainability at a glittering awards ceremony on Tuesday 2 July, held at London's Grosvenor House,&nbsp;a JW Marriott hotel.
The hotel, restaurant and observatory has become famous for its eco-friendly initiatives, including achieving a carbon footprint six times lower than the industry average and championing local producers in Northumberland.
Battlesteads' sustainable tourism offering also includes a Dark Sky Observatory, with some of the clearest night skies in the country perfect for stargazing; five modern eco-lodges and a restaurant serving ingredients fresh from the hotel&rsquo;s kitchen gardens and polytunnels. The hotel has previously been recognised for its sustainability by the Good Hotel Guide, the AA, and at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.
Owners of Battlesteads Hotel &amp; Restaurant, Richard and Dee Slade, said: "The Cateys really are considered 'the Oscars of hospitality', so to win this award, going up against such strong competition from across the country, is an outstanding achievement for us. Our goal has always been to show that being sustainable doesn&rsquo;t have to mean sacrificing guest experience, and this award gives us a platform to share our ethos and expertise with the wider industry, driving forward innovation and putting Northumberland on the map for eco-tourism."
Read the Cateys Statement
			  ]]></description>  
			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/battlesteads-named-most-sustainable-hospitality-bu</guid>
			  <pubDate>Mon, 26 Aug 2019 16:59:41 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Northumberland’s Best Beer Festival is Back</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Award-winning Wark hotel and restaurant&nbsp;Battlesteads&nbsp;is getting ready to welcome beer lovers from across the North East, for the 9th annual Battlesteads Beer Festival.
The four-day celebration will take place from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th July, combining live entertainment and great food with the very best of both British and international beers, lagers and ales.
As well as over 20 varieties of beers on offer, the popular gin bar and Prosecco tent will also be returning, offering refreshing summer tipples as an alternative to the ales.
Entertainment this year will include live music performances from some of the region&rsquo;s best-loved bands, including Big Red and the Grinners, Mudskipper, Jason Arnup and Alive and Kicking.
Katie Meyrick-Scott, general manager of Battlesteads, said: "The beer festival is without a doubt one of the highlights of the year for us and we love welcoming guests from across Northumberland and further afield for a fantastic weekend of entertainment. The atmosphere is always brilliant with hundreds of visitors over the four days, and of course we will once again be raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance which is an extremely worthy cause."
Admission to the beer festival is free on Thursday (6pm-11pm) and Sunday (12pm until the beer runs out). On Friday (6pm &ndash; 11pm) and Saturday (12pm &ndash; 11pm) tickets are &pound;4, with all proceeds going to the Great North Air Ambulance. A free transport service from Hexham is also available on Friday and Saturday.
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			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/northumberlands-best-beer-festival-is-back</guid>
			  <pubDate>Wed, 5 Jun 2019 10:20:59 GMT</pubDate>
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			  <title>Battlesteads Shortlisted for National Eco Hospitality Award</title>  
			  <description><![CDATA[  
			  Northumberland hotel and restaurant&nbsp;Battlesteads, near Wark, has been shortlisted for what is widely considered the Oscars of the hospitality industry &ndash; the Cateys 2019.
Battlesteads has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Business Award and will be going up against the best of British hospitality at the awards ceremony, held on 2 July&nbsp;at London's Grosvenor House,&nbsp;a JW Marriott hotel.
The Cateys, now in their 36th year, recognise the most talented individuals, biggest brands and strongest performers in the hospitality industry. The shortlist was chosen by a panel of industry judges selected for their expertise and industry knowledge, making the Cateys the ultimate accolade in peer group recognition.
Owner of Battlesteads Hotel &amp; Restaurant, Richard Slade, said: "The Cateys represent the best of the best in the hospitality industry, so I am absolutely thrilled that Battlesteads has been shortlisted this year. Over the past 10 years we have been striving to be the most sustainable hotel in the country, as well as championing tourism in Northumberland, and it feels fantastic to be recognised for this by the judges. We&rsquo;ll be keeping our fingers crossed for the ceremony in July, and hoping we bring back the trophy!"
Battlesteads Hotel offers a sustainable tourism experience combining a warm Northumberland welcome, accommodation including five eco-lodges, a restaurant showcasing the best local produce and home-grown ingredients, and a Dark Sky Observatory where visitors can discover the magic of the night skies.
The hotel has previously been recognised for its sustainability by the Good Hotel Guide, the AA, and at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.
			  ]]></description>  
			  <guid>http://www.battlesteads.com/news/article/battlesteads-shortlisted-for-national-eco-hospitality</guid>
			  <pubDate>Fri, 5 Apr 2019 14:03:23 GMT</pubDate>
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