The Michelin-Starred Experience
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has delivered a five-star service to diners across 2024 – and the man behind the acclaimed restaurant promises the end of the year will be one to remember too.
Guests of acclaimed chef Shaun Rankin’s namesake restaurant in North Yorkshire’s Grantley Hall are invited to enjoy an extraordinary dining experience that combines culinary artistry with warm Yorkshire hospitality, in a setting of timeless sophistication. The restaurant champions the very best ingredients from across the Yorkshire region, with chef patron Shaun striving to conduct the restaurant with food provenance at the forefront, overseeing and nurturing a Kitchen Garden on the hotel grounds that produces seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs to supply the menu.
Christmas Memories and Traditions
Childhood Christmases in Yorkshire
Growing up, Christmas was always a special time of the year for Shaun’s family. His mother, a great cook who loved hosting, would make Christmas pudding out of the previous year’s Christmas cake – a staple that the whole family looked forward to every year.
First Christmas Meal as a Chef
Shaun’s first proper Christmas lunch at home was when his eldest son, Harry, was around three years old. As a traditionalist, it had to be turkey!
The Journey to Grantley Hall
Returning to Yorkshire Roots
After years in London and Jersey, Shaun missed the festive atmosphere of the North, especially the old-fashioned Yorkshire pubs during Christmastime.
The Perfect Base for a Restaurant
Grantley Hall’s location and the vision of owner Valeria Sykes to put a luxury hotel on the Yorkshire map drew Shaun in. The abundance of produce from the Yorkshire Dales and Moors on their doorstep is a core part of their ethos.
Five Years of Success
Looking back at the past five years, Shaun feels immense pride for all the achievements of his fantastic team, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Christmas at Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall
Festive Menu Highlights
- The ‘Taste of Home’ menu during December features indulgent ingredients like truffle and farmhouse cheeses.
- The Christmas Day menu is a specially-curated seven-course affair, starring the traditional roast Norfolk Bronze Turkey.
- Seasonal favorites include chestnuts and cranberries.
The Importance of the Kitchen Garden
The Kitchen Garden is integral to the restaurant’s ethos, providing produce throughout the year and helping to form the narrative around food provenance.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Grantley Hall hosts an annual two-night House Party, featuring a special ten-course New Year’s Eve menu at Shaun Rankin’s restaurant.
Personal Festive Favorites
Shaun enjoys visiting Harrogate for Christmas markets and taking long walks with his dog around the beautiful Yorkshire Dales villages.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Shaun is looking forward to spending time away with his children, including their annual skiing trip to the French Alps.
