| The Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Fact Sheet Awards Room rates A profile of Janet Simpson, Proprietor A proflile of Gary Buxton, Head Chef Some Activities in and around The Gibbon Bridge Hotel Press Image Archive
Introduction: History and Origins of The Gibbon Bridge Hotel
Located in the Forest of Bowland, at the heart of the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (and reputed to be the Queen’s favourite), The Gibbon Bridge Hotel is a unique country-style hotel, offering a welcoming environment in a tranquil setting – a stone’s throw from the official Centre of the Kingdom. Originally a large family farm, The Gibbon Bridge was lovingly converted into a sumptuous hotel. Parts of a dismantled local gothic church were integrated into the masonry, and this gives the Hotel its really special charm. The re-design and its consequent work was completed in 1982 by the resident proprietor Janet Simpson and her mother Margaret. The hotel’s buildings therefore combine traditional rural architecture with the very best of today’s. The individuality of this award-winning hotel is probably one of its many appealing qualities. The original old barn was transformed in to what is now the heart of the hotel - the bar and restaurant with six bedrooms above. However, today there are 29 uniquely designed bedrooms. Importantly, each of these is individually furnished and designed to have its own charm and character. Each bedroom has been decorated and comfortably furnished by Janet Simpson. Some rooms command dramatic views of the surrounding countryside and are of a split-level design. Many boast whirlpool baths, four-poster beds or half-testers. The 23 acres of land in which the hotel stands has been landscaped and transformed into spectacular lawns, a profusion of shrubs and blooms and a highly productive vegetable garden which has earned The Gibbon Bridge the “ Britain in Bloom Award” for the 9 th Year running . A helicopter pad, tennis court, gym and steam room add to the hotel’s facilities and its attraction for both the business and the leisure markets. The hotel’s elegant restaurant overlooks the gardens. It is renowned for both traditional and imaginative dishes. Many of these incorporate the home-grown vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s award-winning gardens, but all are complemented by an impressive and carefully-bought wine list. An onsite Bakery, which is open to the public and gains a lot of local trade, provides all the fresh bread and pastries for the hotel. Fact Sheet The Gibbon Bridge Hotel is a unique hotel, offering a haven of peace, beauty and luxury in a tranquil setting. Address The Gibbon Bridge Hotel Nr Chipping Forest of Bowland Lancashire PR3 2TQ Tel: 01995 61456 Fax: 01995 61277 Web: www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk Email: reception@gibbon-bridge.co.uk Location The Gibbon Bridge Hotel enjoys easy access to the major road, motorway and air networks. Located in the Centre of the Kingdom, just 35 miles from Manchester airport and 12 miles from Preston (served by Virgin Rail and the West Coast route). It is 10 miles to M6 motorway (Junction 31A), 80 miles from the Scottish border and 230 miles from London Proprietor Janet Simpson Head Chef Gary Buxton Accommodation 29 individually designed and furnished rooms: 5 VIP suites 17 luxury suites 5 doubles / twins 2 single rooms Conference Facilities 4 meeting rooms: The Garden Room with private patio garden The Conservatory The Cavalier Room The Study The Gibbon Bridge Hotel provides the perfect discreet environment for corporate meetings away from urban life. Boasting VIP security with closed circuit TV and the Hotel’s own helipad, The Gibbon Bridge Hotel offers the latest audio-visual and telecommunications equipment with full secretarial and business support services. All meeting and conference rooms are elegantly designed, boasting air-conditioning and natural light. The rooms can be transformed into either theatre or boardroom style layout. All offer private dining and, for the ultimate in privacy, the Hotel may also be booked exclusively. Leisure Facilities: Tennis courts Fitness Studio Steam room Private fishing Nearby golf, shooting and pony-trekking Located in the heart of ‘walking country’, the Hotel provides and recommends hiking trails for all levels of expertise. For those seeking the ultimate retreat, the fitness studio and Turkish steam room are available for guests use. The River Loud runs through the gardens, offering a peaceful site for angling. Weddings Licensed to carry out its own weddings, the Hotel is an extremely popular choice of marriage venue, offering an ‘Exclusive Use Policy’ allowing wedding parties to take over the entire Hotel. The bandstand or The Garden Room provides an ideal setting for the ceremony and the spacious garden conservatory is perfect for receptions. The Staple Oak Suite provides a perfect first night suite for any couple getting married – the suite has its own wood burning fire, private garden and terrace. Cuisine and dining facilities Throughout the year, superb barbeques are often held in the al fresco sheltered dining area and the gardens provide a beautiful location for al fresco dining. Private dining is a speciality of the hotel. Menus are specifically designed to maximise use of local fresh produce, particularly the fruit, vegetables and herbs from the Hotel’s own gardens. Freshly baked bread and desserts from the Hotel’s own bakery provide the perfect complement to the fresh ingredients. Gardens For nine consecutive years, the Hotel has been the proud recipient of the Northwest ‘ Britain in Bloom’ award for its spectacular gardens, and the land is also home to a local conservation project. Throughout the summer, regular concerts are held in the bandstand, accompanied by home-prepared cream teas. 23 acres of award-winning landscaped gardens complement a bandstand which has itself won an award. Reservations Reservations can be made by calling The Gibbon Bridge Hotel on 01995 61456. The hotel’s fax number is 01995 61277. The web-page is at www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk and the e-mail address is reception@gibbon-bridge.co.uk Awards Conde Nast Johansen’s “Most Excellent Value for Money Award 2002” Duke of Westminster “Award for Business Excellence” Lancashire Life Hotel of the Year 2004/2005 North West in Bloom 2004 – Best Large Hotel for 9 consecutive years Ribble Valley Borough Council – merit award for design and conservation Room Rates 2005 Rates are per room, per night including full English breakfast, newspaper & VAT and are based on two people sharing. The Staple Oak Suite £230 One of Lancashire’s most spectacular hotel bedrooms, with old world character and romantic charm, boasting a wood burning fire, oak beams, private lounge and secluded garden, whirlpool bathroom and luxurious Gothic brass bed. The Harden Suite £200 The upstairs bedroom features a magnificent brass and porcelain half-tester bed. Downstairs, a private lounge with bay window leading to a bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower. The Grizedale Suite £200 This suite has leather furnishings both upstairs and down. The bedroom has a separate seating area and boasts a large four-poster bed. The private lounge with bay window leads to a spacious bathroom with whirlpool bath and power shower. The Langden Suite £200 A delightful suite with views of Longridge Fells, featuring a beautiful stained Gothic window. It is complete with a replica of “The Great Bed of Ware” and large whirlpool bathroom, and a separate lounge upstairs. The Leagram Suite £200 This fine suite has recently been refurbished and added to our VIP collection of rooms. It’s bedroom displays a large, half-tester mahogany bed which is tastefully decorated in soft drapes. The suite’s separate lounge has a large bay window that leads to a luxury bathroom complete with a large whirlpool bath and shower. Luxury Suites £175 These luxurious two floored suites with private lounges and unique elegant furnishings, including four poster beds or whirlpool baths and offer our guests a romantic night in the most lavish of surroundings. Suites £150 Smaller suites with double or twin beds upstairs and a lounge area downstairs. Ideal for business clients who require additional space. Bedrooms £120 Exceptional bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Single Occupancy Tariff Rates are per room, per night, including full English breakfast, newspaper and Vat and are based on single occupancy. Luxury Suites £120 Suites £100 Bedrooms £80 Sunday - Thursday Mid-week Special Tariff Rate is per person, per night including table d’hôte dinner, full English breakfast, newspaper & vat and are based on two people sharing. £72.50 A profile of Janet Simpson, Proprietor It was Janet Simpson and her late mother Margaret who were jointly inspired to create their Gibbon Bridge Hotel. The fireside dream was realised, and the hotel first opened its doors in 1982. The concept was a luxury hotel with a “home from home” feeling. They did not compromise their vision and created a hotel whose ethos is still based on offering all guests first class service with attention to detail and traditional values. Their success at making this dream a reality is easily demonstrated by looking at the number of guests that return to the hotel year on year and time and time again, a fact that Janet remains justifiably proud of. Like any good leader, Janet knows that the hotel’s continued success could not have been possible without the top quality staff which she employs at The Gibbon Bridge. She values all their effort and hard work greatly and is rewarded by the same passionate loyalty which she shows to them. When the hotel initially opened, Janet cooked for all her guests and although she was never formally trained, her cooking skills are superb and Janet delivers fine, wholesome cuisine. Even today, Janet regularly works alongside the brigade of chefs in the kitchen, and oversees the al fresco and private dining. It is no surprise that another of Janet’s passions is her garden at The Gibbon Bridge. She insists that as many seasonal herbs, vegetables and fruits are used in the hotel’s menus as possible. The hotel also enjoys a wealth of local produce including Bowland Lamb and Lancashire cheeses. Janet comments that: “There is such a wonderful selection of fresh local produce and I have always encouraged a seasonal menu at the hotel, the flavours are at their height and so much more fresh when picked fresh from our gardens” Health and Fitness plays an important role in Janet’s life and in the life of the hotel. She has travelled far and wide (many travels are in Janet’s Lagonda which is another of her passions) to learn about healthy cooking and a healthy way of life. Taking her inspiration from such destinations as Thailand and Australia, Janet’s al fresco cooking has been influenced by her travels around the world. A profile of Gary Buxton, Head Chef Gary Buxton joined The Gibbon Bridge Hotel as its Head Chef in February 2000. Gary is no stranger to this wonderful part of the world, begun his child-hood years just over the county boundary in Yorkshire, and worked in both Lancashire and Yorkshire all his professional life. Although still in his “early thirties”, Gary has been a professional chef for over fifteen years. He started off in a small bistro in Headingly, North Yorkshire, before crossing the border to Lancashire and a job at Bilborough Manor Country House. There Gary was responsible for the fish dishes and starters at the hotel. Gary also met his wife, who was working at the hotel as a baker, at this time. Immediately prior to heading up the kitchen at The Gibbon Bridge, Gary was Head Chef at Preston’s Burlington Dining Rooms. Given his provenance, it is no surprise that Gary’s own personal favourites are the fish dishes which he prepares and empresses with his own individual style. His signature dish is Pan-fried Seabass with Mussels and Saffron Sauce. Gary Buxton’s à la carte menus include dishes such as local Goosnargh Duck (raised locally and a traditional Lancashire recipe); Black Pudding and Apple Filo Parcel; Bowland Roast Leg of Lamb and Red Bream with Coarse Ginger and Chilli , using local fish from Fleetwood. Puddings range from a traditional selection of favourites, including Treacle Sponge Pudding.. Gary Buxton follows The Gibbon Bridge's best traditions of using fine local produce in the preparation of his dishes. When he is working on the menu for each evening, Gary is wont to walk through the gardens, where he can pick and choose exactly what he wants to cook for the evening. Gary comments that: “Much of our produce is farmed locally and it is almost unique for a chef to have fruit and vegetables sourced from his hotel’s kitchen-gardens. It is a real joy to cook with such fresh produce. It makes a real difference to our customers to know that everything is so seasonal and fresh on their plates.” In short, Gary is a talented Chef, full of innovative ideas when creating the menus for the hotel guests to enjoy. His menus are specially designed to maximise the use of the hotel’s produce and that of the hotel’s immediate surroundings. The restaurant and conservatory overlook the award-winning gardens, with views of Longridge Fell. Some activities available in and around The Gibbon Bridge Hotel Forest of Bowland Designated an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” in 1964, scattered villages and hamlets are quiet, unspoilt and steeped in history. It reflects a time of Lancashire past. Many of the small farms have changed little in a thousand years. The first evidence of human activity in Bowland comes from urn burials. Habitation sites predate 1800 BC: Fairy Holes Caves and Bleasdale Circle are good examples. During the Iron Age the Bowland area was a great oak forest. It is now the largest area of continuous heather-lands. It is now a vital breeding round for many upland and sea birds. Whalley An ancient village some 10 miles from the hotel has three thousand years of settlement - the first mention can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the year 664. Attractions include: the Abbey; ancient 13th century parish church; ghost walk; a spectacular Viaduct used by British Rail in their TV advert; and small and unique individual shops. The Abbey dates from the early 14th century built by the Cistercian monks. Recent surveys at the Abbey have revealed foundations that are more than 3 feet below the Abbey made up of well cut arched stonework. Evidence points to a Roman origin and with more cobbled surfaces being found there’s a view that there are Roman streets and settlements below the whole existing village! Fragments of 7th century pottery have also been found and new developments are being revealed today. The original charter for the Whalley Grammar School was issued in 1549. The Pendle Witches Trail The 45 mile route travelled by the witches to where they were convicted can be followed today. The Pendle Witches Trail takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, through Pendle and the Ribble Valley, ending at Lancaster Castle. The trail starts at Pendle Heritage Centre at Barrowford, where the witches story is told by video. The Witches Trail can be followed by car, minibus, bike or by foot, with opportunities to enjoy walks and places of interest along the way. Clitheroe An ancient market town with a charter over 800 years old. The Castle and Norman Keep overlook the thriving new market area and individual award winning shops are a must for any visitor. Byrne’s Wine Shop and Cowman’s Sausage Shop are the two that are famous for their high quality and award winning produce. Both have been featured on television. Centre of the Kingdom The small and charming village of Dunsop Bridge is the home to BT's one millionth telephone box, surrounded by standing stones, marking the spot of the official 'Centre of the Kingdom' as verified by Ordnance Survey. Walking guides are available and The Gibbon Bridge runs a very popular Centre of the Kingdom break offering a picnic and a map to get guests to 'The Centre'. Chipping Today the village is associated with the manufacture of chairs. Berry Chair Works started in them id 19th Century and one of the carpenters John Berry’s descendants now run the thriving business which offers good employment to the local area producing over 3000 items of furniture per week. The village is still laid out in its 17th century plan and when entering Windy Street the eye is caught by John Brabin’s School House of 1684 - Brabin was a local dyer and cloth merchant who acquired his wealth through the ‘putting out’ system of textile manufacture. In his will he grated monies for the establishing of a school in the village ‘for instructing all people called Quakers’. Leagram Hall in the village stands on the site of the old deer park lodge, known as the lawn. During the 16th century a Catholic chapel was established at the lawn along with a number of priest hiding places. St Bartholomew’s Church, Chipping was established sometime before 1230. Roman Museum , Ribchester A former Roman Fort of Bremetenacum founded in the First Century AD. Its ancient history is recorded in the museum which has many Roman artefacts. Ribchester has been the scene of excavations and investigations from the 16th Century to the present day. The museum seeks to present a picture built up by this research. Other local attractions - Minutes away from the official ‘Centre of the Kingdom’ - Nearby traditional local shops, including the oldest village shop in the country - Clitheroe Castle - Lancaster Castle - Houghton Tower - Yorkshire Dales and Lake District nearby The area is rich in local history. The second pilgrim fathers originated from the Clitheroe district. It has many links with ghosts, witches and the folk-lore associated with them! Some other useful websites http://www.forestofbowland.com http://www.uktouristinfo.com/counties/lancashire/clitheroe Press Image Archive |
