Situated just 1 mile from the A19, Crathorne Hall, near Yarm is a hotel with great transport links which makes it the perfect setting for a number of different occasions. Renowned for its high levels of customer service, there's a certain brand of excellence which pervades everything they do and this is especially true of their meeting and events hospitality.
The hotel boasts a capacity of up to 120 delegates with several versatile meeting spaces available. Conscious of the modern business executive, each is equipped with the latest visual and audio technology alongside comfortable seating and complimentary wifi access. Their offering is defined by three inclusive packages; the classic, the essential and the executive with each possessing their own unique virtues.
The most basic is the “Essential Package” which is designed for those business meetings requiring only the core essentials. For instance, room hire, tea & coffee refreshments, stationery and whiteboards. For those times when you need to power right through, an express lunch is also provided. This might include celeriac apple soup, lemon & garlic chicken wraps and prawn & chilli pitta pockets. There’s an emphasis on lighter bites which can be consumed whilst working which increases productivity and encourages networking and other interactivity.
The “Classic Package”, available from £40, includes meeting room hire, LCD projector and screen, flip chart with conference stationery and also a full electronic support pack comprising colour printer, wireless mouse, USB and plug charging sockets and surround sound system. On my recent visit I was bowled over by the facilities on offer and noticed that this could be a great breeding ground for discussion and creativity.
This wasn’t the only thing that left me deeply impressed. Within the Classic package there’s a wide selection of conference menus to choose from which can be sampled at scheduled interludes throughout the day. I landed the chance to try the hot and cold “finger buffet” which consisted of mini cajun chicken baguettes, lemon hummus, pepper and spinach wraps, cheese and cranberry turnovers, potato wedges with dipping pots and even mini fish & chips with tartare sauce. This was just one of the menu options available however classic package guests can instead elect for the “networking lunch” depending on their preferences. This is more of a substantial affair which includes dishes such as chicken Caesar salad, sweet chilli chicken with egg noodles and a mushroom and tarragon risotto. Freshly prepared by Crathorne’s team of master chefs, these lunch options are entirely flexible and can be served in either the meeting rooms or the restaurant. Both alternatives also come with a choice of desserts featuring items such as fresh fruit kebabs with greek yoghurt and lemon posset with a spiced rhubarb compote.
The executive package encompasses all the benefits of the classic yet also includes the option of a two course plated lunch or a hot and cold deli meal. This is a sage choice for larger parties with group dining available in the restaurant and also private dining suites. Again chefs draw upon only the freshest local ingredients with the hot and cold deli offering meat, fish, vegetables and also a variety of breads, salads and other fillings. A real sense of drama is created with the chef carving and serving the food before the delegates which often provides a fun lunchtime talking point.
Naturally, all packages can be tailormade to fit any individual needs or requirements and the sumptuous surroundings at Crathorne Hall might just inspire a new spark of creative thinking. If you’re looking to host a meeting or event in the North Yorkshire/Teesside region, then this classy venue must be of prime consideration.
