Acklam Hall has officially opened for business (Thursday 18th February 2016).
The restaurant, ‘The Brierley’, is named after the architect Walter Brierley who designed the alterations to Acklam Hall, inMiddlesbrough, in 1912 and serves homemade dishes from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea and dinner. In addition, there is a fine dining option on a Friday and Saturday evening.
The Brierley offers two dining experiences- The Salon, which is open all day for breakfasts, lunches and evening meals as well as Sundaylunches, and the more formal Dining Room which offers a range of afternoon teas and a la carte fine dining.
North East chef Adam Anderson has been appointed head chef at Acklam Hall and is responsible for overseeing The Brierley restaurant and all event catering at the hall aided by his team of skilled chefs.
Adam is a well-known face on the region’s culinary scene and has previously worked at a range of restaurants all over the North East including Wynyard Hall, Jesmond Dene House and Newcastle Football Club. Over the years Adam has worked under many established head chefs such as Steve Welch, John Connell, Alan O’Kane and David Williams.
Adam’s a la carte menu in The Dining Room includes dishes such as: – smoked rabbit, truffle puree and black pudding pastel; maple cured pigeon with braised spelt and crispy quinoa; and warm chocolate pudding with textures of orange.
The Brierley also offers breakfast and light lunches, sharing platters and evening meals all served within the relaxed atmosphere of The Salon.
The Grade I listed building opens its doors following a complex, multi million pounds renovation which has taken over 18 months with dozens of its rooms and features restored to their original grandeur. The re-development of the 17th Century building will create over 20 new jobs in Middlesbrough as well as opportunities for dozens of local suppliers.
Adam Anderson said: “Managing the kitchen at The Brierley at Acklam Hall is such an amazing opportunity as it really is going to offer something very different- it’s full of surprises. It’s a great chance for me to show my creative skills as we are offering a real mix of fine dining and comfort food as well as afternoon teas and other treats. There’s a major challenge ahead and I am looking forward to unveiling my food and team in the coming weeks.”
Martin Williams, from Acklam Hall Ltd, said: “We’ve spent many months seeking the right people to join our team at Acklam Hall as we’re offering something new and different in the area. Adam has exactly the right skills, ideas and experience to help the hall launch and grow in the coming year. Adam is highly regarded in his field so we are very much looking forward to seeing him flourish in his new role with his team.”
The multi-million pounds redevelopment of Acklam Hall has seen the complete restoration of the building, which dates back to the 1680s and was home to Teesside’s Hustler family for almost 250 years, before becoming a school in the 1930s.
As well as The Brierley, Acklam Hall is home to four unique function suites for weddings and other special events, 18 serviced offices and a number of state-of-the-art conference and meeting room facilities.
Other notable rooms within Acklam Hall include: – The Drawing Room with its spectacular ceiling and views of Middlesbrough’s famous ‘Avenue of Trees’, which will be available for larger celebrations of up to 120 guests such as wedding breakfasts and evening receptions, conferences and larger business events; The Parlour, which will be used for private dining and civil ceremonies; and The Boudoir, which will be used for smaller celebrations and functions.