Guests Can Now Have Their Castle and Eat It!

-       Chocolate Creation Goes Down a Storm at Langley Castle

Guests at a 676-year-old Northumberland castle hotel are discovering they can not only sleep in a castle but eat one too, thanks to a spectacular new chocolate dessert that has been causing a stir during Chocolate Week.

Langley Castle Hotel, near Hexham, has unveiled an extraordinary edible version of its 14th-century fortified castle, created by its new Culinary Director, celebrated Scottish chef Mark Greenaway.

The intricate dessert, which has been delighting diners enjoying the fine dining menu over the past few weeks, is a chocolate mousse creation fashioned into the unmistakable shape of Langley Castle itself. It even comes complete with finer details of the castle’s distinctive medieval architecture.

Made using a specially commissioned mould, the miniature chocolate castle is a chocolate mousse and sponge dish, flavoured with mandarin gel and vanilla and served with a refreshing mandarin sorbet.

The combination of rich chocolate, citrus and vanilla delivers a sophisticated flavour experience, but it is the dessert's remarkable appearance that is turning heads.

Diners who have spent time admiring the castle's imposing seven-foot-thick walls can now enjoy the rather unusual experience of demolishing their own version of the historic fortress, one delicious spoonful at a time.

The creation is one of the first examples of the culinary imagination being brought to Langley Castle’s menus by Mark Greenaway.  He has recently joined the hotel as its first-ever Culinary Director, during its 40th anniversary year as a hotel and restaurant, and has quickly plotted this and some fantastic dishes for Christmas party nights at the castle.

Mark is known for his appearances on BBC's Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch, as well as his acclaimed Edinburgh restaurant, which held three AA Rosettes. His career has also included Grazing by Mark Greenaway at Edinburgh's Caledonian Hotel and a move into London's restaurant scene.  Furthermore, he is the author of two cookbooks, Perception and Progression.

His arrival at Langley Castle is central to an ambitious new 'field to fortress' culinary vision, designed to make the historic hotel a destination for food lovers as well as those seeking a memorable castle stay. 

The chocolate castle dessert certainly demonstrates that ambition, turning the building's extraordinary heritage into an experience that diners can quite literally savour.

Mark Greenaway says: "When you have a building as extraordinary as Langley Castle, it seems a shame not to bring a little of that character and history to the plate.

"We wanted to create something that would surprise people, make them smile and, most importantly, taste fantastic. The specially commissioned mould allows us to recreate the castle itself, while the ingredients are sheer indulgence.

"There's something wonderfully mischievous about giving guests the opportunity to demolish a castle that has stood for more than 675 years. Fortunately, this one is a lot easier to conquer!"

The dessert also reflects Mark's philosophy that fine dining should create lasting memories and provide a talking point long after the meal has ended.

Langley Castle's General Manager, Mohamed Serag, says: "Guests have been able to sleep within the walls of Langley Castle for the past 40 years, but now they can actually eat the castle too!

"The castle dessert is proving hugely popular and providing a wonderful talking point.  It is exactly the kind of imaginative culinary experience we hoped Mark would introduce and the sort of dish that is elevating our food offering day by day.”

With its 40th anniversary celebrations continuing, Langley Castle is hoping visitors will increasingly come for the food experience, as well as a remarkable and memorable stay.

To discover more about Langley Castle Hotel and its dining experiences, visit www.langleycastle.co.uk.

Ends

Editors notes

Langley Castle, built in 1350, is located in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland and is one of the few authentic, fortified medieval castles in England. It has a rich history, with strong links to Jacobite rebellions, is located just a stone's throw from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and boasts features including battlements, seven-feet-thick walls, window seats set into the walls and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. It is one of the most exquisite wedding venues in the north and also offers a wide range of options when it comes to exclusive use, with the castle being available for weddings, family celebrations, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, D&D-style events and a wide variety of corporate functions.