< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGaistor is a town that sits pretty much on theedge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, a centralhub for many in the area. However, findingsomewhere to enjoy fine food can prove difficult.Thankfully, with the advent of Premier Étage, thatsearch for foodie heaven could well be over.Having run The Blacksmiths Arms in nearbyRothwell for more than a year, Simon Burnett hastaken on the town centre bar, with impressiveresults. Having visited the bar and restaurantpreviously on a regular basis as a customer, achance conversation with the previous ownerrevealed she was looking for someone new totake on the lease and re-invest the place.As Simon explains, “You don’t get the chanceto run such a fantastically-located freehouse veryoften, so we were very lucky to be offered theopportunity.”That was just before Christmas and since thenThe Settlement has been a hive of activity. Havingrefurbished the ground floor bar to a chic newstandard, The Settlement now also stocks newbeer offerings and a range of food on the barmenu rivalling many local eateries.Simon’s previous vocation could not be furtherfrom hospitality though, as he explains, “I’ve beenan engineer most of my life and have worked forBAE Systems in Brough, but my passion hasbecome good food and I think that’s reflected inour menus, both here and at The Blacksmiths Arms.“For the last two years I’ve been splitting mytime between two jobs, working around fortyhours per week in Brough, but putting about asmany hours in at The Blacksmiths. Now my timeis fully given over to this place, we really think weFood on thefirst floorThe Settlement in Caistor has reopened under new management. We meet with new owner SimonBurnett who reveals Premier Étage, a bistro on the venue’s first floor.C60-61:Layout 1 13/10/14 11:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61FOOD & DININGhave got it right.”Simon cites the main challenge for TheBlacksmiths was to re-energise the place,to re-motivate staff and to raise thestandards when it came to food. “We’vebrought back the love to the place andwith dining awards being given to us, wemust be doing something right.”The transformation of The Settlement,particularly the first floor restaurant, hasbeen a new challenge for the team.Changing the bar to a casual and relaxedaffair, you get a sense this is a place tomeet friends and perhaps share a lightmeal, with the restaurant upstairs beingmore of a food lover’s dream.Simon says, “It’s going to be quitedifferent from the food we serve at TheBlacksmiths. It’s of the same highstandard but it’s going to be a uniqueoffering with emphasis on certain dishesand fantastic presentation.“The menu is going to change everyweek and is going to feature just a fewdishes for each course. Like Frenchbistros, we’re going to be doing a limitednumber of dishes, but doing themincredibly well. For someone like me wholoves good food, it’s really exciting, themenu may well be small but I hope thatpeople will have an agonising choice tomake between dishes.”Having already met head chef StuartHudson, we’re confident here atLincolnshire Today that the new menuwill be inventive and mouth-watering.Simon explains that he wants to offer achoice people will travel for. “Peoplethese days know good food, there’s neverbeen more food programmes on TV orcookery books out. We know people willbe looking for something special, thename Premier Étage may be French, butwe’ll have elements of other cuisine inthere too. For example the Italian basedSalmon risotto that Stuart createdrecently for Lincolnshire Today, or oursignature steak that will be availableevery week cooked to perfection andserved beautifully with our Diane sauce! “There’s going to be a bustly vibe, wewant to avoid the kind of place whereyou eat in silence and are afraid to makea sound. We want to create anatmosphere people are relaxed in andcan enjoy their food.”We can’t wait to sample their menuand with such an atmosphere promised,we’re sure this will be a foodiedestination for Lincolnshire.Premier Étage is at The Settlement, 20 The Marketplace, Caistor, LN7 6TU. To book a table orto find out more, call 01472 859283 or search ‘The Settlement Caistor’ on Facebook.Premier Étage is at The Settlement, 20 The Marketplace, Caistor, LN7 6TU. To book a table orto find out more, call 01472 859283 or search ‘The Settlement Caistor’ on Facebook.60-61:Layout 1 13/10/14 11:36 Page 2Sitting proudly in the medieval splendour of Lincoln Cathedral, the White Hart Hotel is the ultimate wedding venue. Your bespoke wedding will be perfectly tailored to your every wishby our dedicated team of professionals.With our private, stylish and contemporary suites, you and your wedding party can relax and celebrate whilst enjoying food from a personally handpicked menu with wine to suit, before dancing the night away to your chosen style of entertainment.Our bedrooms, many with fantastic views of the Cathedral, are well equipped, comfortable and relaxing and our wedding suites are all prepared to make you feel extra special.With inclusive packages to suit your ideas, your dream wedding day at the White Hart Hotel could be closer than you think!62-65:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:39 Page 1Delightsafter darkLINCOLNSHIRETODAY63VENUESEvents such as the Lincoln ChristmasMarket showcase the county at its verybest. The Castle and Cathedral under thelights certainly make for a spectacularbackdrop for the merry making that goeson across the city’s streets. The tophotels, bars and restaurants all join in aswell. As so many people flock to the cityfor a traditional Christmas experience it’sperhaps not surprising that many venuespile on the charm with huge armchairsand roaring fires. The city isn’t amuseum, though, and if you’re after atotal contrast there are plenty of venueswhere the styling may be cooler but thewelcome will still be warm.Many part of Lincolnshire are gainingan increasing reputation as the place toenjoy a great night out. This hasundoubtedly been helped by thegrowing number of students choosingthe county as the base for their studies,but even if the days of lectures and lagerhave long passed for you, there aredozens of venues that suit all tastes andcan make even the dullest midweekevening become a special occasion.This is the time of year our top venuescome into their own, hosting the bestparties. If you’ve been nominated as theparty planner this Christmas then theirexpertise could be a life saver. Often itseems hard enough to organise aninformal drinks session with a handful ofyour friends or colleagues, with the taskof getting them together in the sameplace at the same time proving aproblem. Imagine, then, the task oforganising an event that everyone’s beenanticipating since last Christmas! That’sespecially tough when you’ve got to keepone eye on your family celebrations too.Unless you’re blessed with limitlessimagination and have been planning the65 Delightsafter darkSomething that’sbecome increasinglypopular in recentyears is the idea of awinter weddingPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MNSTUDIOWhat could be better thanthe sights and sounds ofLincolnshire in thesummer? Lincolnshire inthe winter, of course!There’s something specialabout the county after darkand our top venues makefor the perfect location.62-65:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:39 Page 264 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYChristmas Party NightsFestive Bar MealsChampagne Christmas Afternoon TeasChristmas Escape 2 Night & 3 Night PackagesChristmas Day LunchBoxing Day LunchNew Year’s Eve Dinner DanceNew Year’s Day BrunchNew Year’s Day Afternoon TeaThe Petwood Hotel, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6QG T: 01526 352411 F: 01526 353473 E: reception@petwood.co.uk www.petwood.co.uk Discover the magic of Petwood this Christmas NCosy up by the open fires and spend some quality timewith family and friends eating, drinking and being merry this festive season.NCall: 01507 608 806 / 353 003www.kenwickparkweddings.co.ukKenwick Park, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 8NR£1000.00 & £1250.00 with Civil Ceremony room hireTraditional Afternoon Tea for 50 guests along withreception drink and 1 glass sparkling wine.Additional evening reception for 80 guests, finger buffet from £1000.00Included within all packages complimentaryIvory chair covers and coloured sashIvory table linen and napkins Red carpet arrivalHotel Master of ceremoniesHire of wedding cake stand and knifeMeridian suite with private barComplimentary accommodation for Bride and GroomEnglish Rose Wedding Package...WEDDING SALE prices from£2995.0062-65:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:40 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65VENUESperfect party in your mind’s eye since thelast century, as well as an exceptionallylively bunch of friends who could get abus queue doing the conga, it’s perhapsthe case you could end up withsomething of an anti-climax. These daysit’s perhaps a better option to throw yourlot in with one of the fantastic parties ourtop venues organise themselves.Those with big plans may feel thattaking part in an already organised eventis anathema, but it doesn’t have to belike this. It means you can concentrate onenjoying yourself without having toconcentrate on a million and one jobs . Isthe venue licenced to play music or servealcohol? Are there going to be facilities tocook and store food or will you have tohire some equipment? It doesn’t matter –the venue will have that covered. They’llalso have a bit more clout to be able tobook the best entertainment.Even if you’re planning your own event,making use of the events specialists at thetop venues will be useful. Their job is notto simply cast aside your fantastic ideasand instead fit you into a well-wornschedule where the menus are identicaland the DJ’s playlist hasn’t changed sincethe eighties. Their aim is to make yourideas happen on budget. It may be thecase that in their experience your ideascan’t be realised and they’ll tell you – butthey’ll also be able to adapt theseconcepts so you can still ensure thefinished result reflects your ideas.Something that’s become increasinglypopular in recent years is the idea of awinter wedding. It used to be thatweddings were always associated withglorious summer says but as weddingshave become increasingly informal overthe years, and more and more people areadding their own ideas to the familiarconcepts, the idea of getting marriedunder lights in a magical setting certainlyhas plenty of appeal. It would certainlyadd a bit of sparkle to the gloomier partof the year. You’re probably a bit late ifyou want to do it this winter but if you’replanning your nuptials and searching forthat ideal venue it’s well worth checkingthem out during the cooler months.The great thing about Lincolnshire’swedding venues is that they can sofrequently make a huge success of eventsof all shapes and sizes. They’ve got thewonderful views and beautifulsurroundings and many venues have arich history that permeates itssurroundings. At the same time, they alsoenjoy immense flexibility and oftenadvanced technology that can cope withall the requirements of a 21st centurywedding.It’s not just our major towns and citiesthat can offer evening entertainmenteither. More or less every town andvillage will have a pub that serves as thehub of the community, and have done sofor many years. No matter where you areacross the county, there’s somewhere toenjoy a bright night after dark.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MINERVA STUDIOThe great thing about Lincolnshire’s wedding venues is that they canso frequently make a huge success of events of all shapes and sizes62-65:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:40 Page 466 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYVENUESThe Old Palace, standing as it does insuch beautiful surroundings, almost sellsitself. With Lincoln Cathedral loomingover one side of the site and withcommanding views of the city the other,it has setting squared before you evenstep inside its grand interior.As Danielle explains, “I’d say the thingwhich people most love about havingtheir wedding here is the garden, theviews and space you get are unique andas we’re able to adapt to what peoplewant we’ve had it used in many differentways.”Indeed, the space you are allocated atThe Old Palace lends itself absolutely to awedding celebration. The garden roomon a lower ground floor level is used forevening celebrations, which opens up tothose wonderful views outside. Recentweddings during the summer have seenbands, dancefloors, stages and hog roaststaking place outside and with the recentinstallation of a bar down there too, it’s aperfect place to cap off the happiest dayof your life. There’s also a large functionroom that can cater for a larger number.Although you can’t get married at TheOld Palace, the fact that you can have ablessing in the venue’s intimate andgorgeous chapel means it’s a real drawfor those who want a touch of thetraditional to their day. Add to this thefact you can book all 32 bedrooms andhave exclusive use of the whole hotel foryou and your guests and acomplimentary bridal suite means youhave the makings of a memorable day.As Danielle explains, couples tying theknot can really make their day fullybespoke, “We operate on a buildingblocks idea, it really is what the couplewants from the day. We can changeoptions to do with food, accommodationand other elements to make booking awedding here very flexible.“A recent example is a couple whowanted to create picnic baskets so guestscould enjoy the food in the garden andin an informal way, we’d encouragecouples to come and see us and lookaround, we’ll always do our best toaccommodate their requests.”We can’t think of many places thatoffer such a complete package in thecounty, or with such a sense of countyheritage inherent in the venue. Why notgive The Old Palace a call? It’s adelightful venue for any celebration.The Old Palace, LincolnThe Old Palace, situated in the shadow of the Cathedral is a wonderful backdrop for weddings.Thankfully the services they offer match that incredible location, we take a walk round with EventsCo-ordinator Danielle Holman to learn more about planning your big day here.The Old Palace is just offMinster Yard, Lincoln, LN2 1PU.To enquire about weddings,call Danielle Holman on01522 580000, emailevents@theoldpalace.org or visit www.theoldpalace.org66:Layout 1 13/10/14 10:40 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67COUNTY WEDDINGSIt’s not every week we’re sent suchstunning photos of a local wedding, sowhen Megan and Jack sent these in, wehad to know the story behind theimages.Megan from Lincoln and Jack,originally from Manchester, met in a baron Christmas Eve 2009. Both werehaving festive drinks with their friends,but exchanged numbers on the nightand ended up dating. The couple soonrealised that they unknowingly livedaround the corner from each other!Together for just over two years beforeJack proposed, the couple were hitchedjust before their five year anniversary. Jackproposed in New York, as Meganexplains, “It was so romantic! Heproposed on a horse and cart in CentralPark. I was so worried something waswrong with him as he was sweating andreally quiet. I didn’t expect him topropose and I was over the moon. Jackisn’t normally romantic but everythingabout the trip was magical.”The couple were married at Welton StMary’s Church as the couple wanted atraditional ceremony, which is why theychose the church. The choices camedown to Welton and Dunholme butopted for Welton as it’d had a lot offamily history in Megan’s family and‘looked beautiful’, inside and out. “Wealso had our daughter christened therelast year” explains the couple.“We had a year to plan the wedding,which seemed like loads of time butA love storyDunholme couple Megan and Jack Mitchell recently tied the knot in beautiful Welton. Wecatch up with them to see how their big day went.68 67-69:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:43 Page 168 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY WEDDINGSlooking back, it flew by! The planningwas enjoyable but stressful.” Megan and Jack opted to have atraditional wedding ceremony at achurch and then held the celebrations atthe White Heather in a marquee. Megan recalls, “My dad walked medown the aisle, while holding my youngdaughter on his other side. I had twobridesmaids follow me down the aislealong with two flower girls. Mychildhood friend did a reading for us byEdmund O’Neil ‘Marriage joins twopeople in the circle of its love’ It was sofitting towards our relationship and howfar we’ve come together. It was a lovelyservice, filled with lots of laughter andhappy tears.”The couple confess they used to watchDon’t Tell the Bride and discuss whatthey would do differently or what theyliked, but generally they both seemed tobe in synch.Megan explains, “One time at myparents, my mum and I went onto theinternet and found the perfect dresswhen I was still looking for one. We gavethe iPad to Jack and asked him to findthe perfect dress for me. He chose onethat was almost identical, I couldn’t helpbut cry! The couple know each other insideout, so making decisions on cars, cake,suits and a colour scheme was a breeze.Their biggest stress was deciding on amenu that suited everyone. We chose apackage with our venue that includeddrinks on arrival, canapés and a three-course wedding breakfast. “We struggleddeciding on the main course as it’s hardto please sixty or more people! In theend we chose a carvery that included lotsof choices, which meant everyone washappy!” One of the couple’s favourite parts ofthe wedding was to hire a photoboothat the last minute. Jack says, “That wasfantastic! All the guests loved it and weeven got Megan’s great Nana involvedwho’s 91! She found it hilarious!”The couple had their first dance to‘You’re Still The One’ by Shania Twain,which Megan followed with an emotionaldance with her dad. Megan says, “We always said oursong was ‘I Loved Her First’ byHeartland. Hearing my Dad tell me howCaenby Corner, Market Rasen LN82AT Tel: 01673 878100 info@whiteheatheronline.com www.whiteheatheronline.comLincolnshire’s premier Wedding, Banqueting and Conference VenueNow taking wedding bookings for 2016 & 2017 Exclusive use of Venue67-69:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:43 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY69COUNTY WEDDINGSPHOTOS: WWW.TWIN-FOCUS-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK“Think less about pleasing others and moreabout why you’re getting married!”beautiful I looked and that he loved memoved me greatly! Although my dadhas always shown us how much heloves us, he doesn’t often speak hisfeelings. In that moment I knew hemeant every word.” “It was without a doubt the best day ofour lives. I remember being called to thedance floor for our first dance and juststaring into each others’ eyes without acare in the world! It was amazing! Wesang the whole song to each other whilstholding one another.”Jack wasn’t sat on the sidelines duringthe whole process, either. “Although Ididn’t play a huge part in planning,Megan did ask me questions about it andI agreed and gave my input. She did afantastic job and it was the best day ofmy life.”Jack also decided to plan a littlesurprise for the morning of the wedding,“I bought matching jewellery, herfavourite perfume and then wrote a littlelove note on the sole of her weddingshoes!”The couple aren’t embarking on ahoneymoon until next year, as Jackexplains, “With Megan having justgraduated from university and wantinglast minute extras, we wanted more timeto save for our honeymoon. We’d love togo to Mexico though!”With the couple having got throughtheir big day in style, we had to ask themif they had any advice. Megan says, “Itsounds silly, but make time for eachother, the whole day goes so fast thatyou’re so busy going around andchatting to your guests!“Think less about pleasing others andmore about why you’re getting married!”67-69:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:43 Page 3Next >