A Hidden Gem

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2010-12-29T05:58:00.000-08:00

Guess who visited the Shireburn this Christmas....we must be so special!

A fun time had by all the children on Boxing Day when Santa made a suprise visit and we even had a magic show to entertain all the children including the big kids as well...!!!

Turkey Out!

2010-12-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a recipe you may love...

I tried this and it was delicious, just what we needed after all the Christmas dinner and used up all that leftover turkey too and went lovely with some homemade chips;

Ingredients

2 rashers streaky bacon
1/2 bunch of fresh thyme leaves
olive oil
a large knob of butter
2kg leeks chopped
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
800g cooked white turkey cut into big chunks
2 heaped table spoons of white plain floor
2 pints of turkey, chicken or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons of creme fraiche
1 x 500g packet of puff pastry
1 egg free range beaten

Method ~ serves 6-8

Preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F/gas 5. Put your bacon in a large pan on a medium heat and add your thyme leaves. Add a lug of olive oil and the butter and let it all fry off a few minutes. Add all of your prepped leeks and fry them off for about 3 minutes so they are well-coated in the butter. Add a pinch of salt and pepper then pop the lid on top, turn the heat down to medium and let them cook away gently for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes to make sure they don’t catch. There’s going to be enough moisture in the leeks to keep them happy in the pan so they should be soft and melt in your mouth once they’re done.

When your leeks are ready, add the turkey meat to them and stir. If you’ve got a bit of stuffing mixed in there you can put that in too. Add the flour, mix it in well then pour in your stock and stir again. Add the crème fraîche then turn the heat up and bring everything back up to the boil. Have a taste and add a bit more salt and pepper if it needs it then turn the heat off. Pour the mixture through a sieve over another large empty pan and let the wonderful gravy from the mixture drip into the pan while you roll out your pastry.

Get a deep baking dish roughly 22 x 30cm. Dust a clean surface and a rolling pin with a bit of flour and roll your pastry out so it’s about double the size of your dish. Spoon that thick leek mixture from your sieve into the pie dish and spread it out evenly. Lay your pastry on top, tuck the ends under then gently score the pastry diagonally with your knife. Add a pinch of salt to your beaten egg then paint this egg wash over the top of your pastry. Pop your pie in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. When the pie is ready, re-heat the lovely gravy and serve with your pie and enjoy!

Party Nights Alright!

2010-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few words have to be given justice to our Christmas Party Nights!

My hat goes off to the many that made the functions without phase from the snowy scenery outside...it must be said that there really is something about the Ribble Valley that makes it so special.

The party definately went off with a bang! our evening entertainers went down a treat. Delicious food and party atmosphere. We just hope there were'nt too many suffering from the morning after symptoms.

There are certainly more next year...so keep your eyes peeled for our dates!!!

Its Christmas

2010-11-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

One of the signs that Christmas is nearly upon us at the Shireburn apart the

lighting of our log fires and the subtle introduction of the first Christmas decorations.

Is that we dust off aunt Alcocks recipe book and turn straight to page 57 for

that much sought after secret recipe for mulled wine.

Now I decided not to be greedy and actually share our recipe so you can

make your own batch of secret number 57.

Just don’t tell anyone!

Mulled Wine (serves 10)

2 Bottle of red wine (we use chianti but use your favourite)
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Orange
1 Star Anise
1 bay leaf
4 Cloves
nutmeg
Brown sugar to taste or ½ litre fresh apple juice
Brandy

* Cut the orange in half and stud with the cloves
* In a large saucepan add the studded orange, bay leaf and cinnamon sticks and both bottles of red wine.
* Put on a low heat allow to simmer for 5 minutes (but not boil)
* Add the star anise and the sugar or apple juice (the apple juice adds a nice fruity flavour)
* Allow to simmer for 10 minutes
* Add a couple of glugs of brandy
* Taste and add more sugar if needed
* Ladle into glasses and grate a little fresh nutmeg on top
* Serve on its own or a generous piece of warm Parkin or a mince pie

Best enjoyed responsibly!

Now if you enjoyed our mulled wine recipe then watch this space for a classic Hot toddy recipe plus many more to come.

Halloween Ghost Walk

2010-11-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

As the darkness descended on Hurst Green, Halloween beckoned and out of the darkness came a tall dark figure dressed in a black top hat & cape........

Simon Entwistle, popular historian and famous Ghost Walker conducted a Halloween Ghost Walk of the village. Who would have thought that Hurst Green would be host to so many haunted tales of bloody murders, scary tales and the famous Pendle Witches. Simon brought to life the stories of the area to a packed crowd of Halloween revellers. An hour tour of the village listening to Simons unique story telling was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

After a wonderful tour, ghost walkers were taken back to The Shireburn where they all enjoyed a hearty Hot Pot Supper and a glass of mulled wine. A perfect way to end the evening. A good time was had by all, even by the people who were scared!!

More Ghost Walks are planned for the future, so be sure to keep checking The Shireburn website.

Murder at Monster Mansion - Halloween Murder Mystery

2010-11-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

Halloween brings the strangest of people to The Shireburn at Hurst Green for a spooktacular experience attending the Murder Mystery Extravanganza.

The cast from AfterDark Theatre Company performed another amazing night to a packed crowd. Whilst guests enjoyed their 4 course meal, the Murder at Monster Mansion unravelled during the evening. Only a few people managed to be clever enough to solve (or come close to solving) the murder.

The winners and losers both were awarded with a prize.

Speaking with Mrs Lancaster on the night, she said

"I have never been to a Murder Mystery Night before, hence being the Losers of the night!! It was an absolutely brilliant night that I would definately recommend. I will be coming to the Faulty Towers Murder Mystery here in March next year and hopefully I will be able to answer more questions next time. The meal, staff and entertainment were faultless.

Thank You for a superb night."

(Mrs Lancaster, with the Losers Trophy)

The winnners on the night, were also awarded with a trophy (below)

Well Done, you clever clogs!!

Don't forget to check the forthcoming events on our website page for Events for 2011. More Murder Mystery Nights and Theme Nights planned.

Listen very carefully I shall say this only once!

2010-05-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Shireburn was transformed on Saturday night into Café Rene – the friendliest establishment in Nazi occupied France. Yes it was Murder Mystery night again here at the Shireburn with an Allo Allo theme.

With the After Dark theatre company provided us with a night to remember as all the favourite characters from the hit series was captured in an amazing night of fine wine and music.

The cast of The After Dark Company

For outside there was a war on – but in Café Rene all was at peace……or was it?

The evening started with a sing song of such greats as Roll out the Barrel, Knees up mother Brown and it’s a long way to Tipperary to get everyone in the mood. Then our guests enjoyed a four course meal and were given the opportunity to solve the murder by interrogating all the suspects and paying close attention throughout the evening.

The cast in perfect voice

The winners are........

In the end they were all winners...........

Now should you wish to be kept informed of similar events here at the Shireburn then please contact us on - 01254 826518 or http://www.shireburnamrshotel.com/

The Award Goes to.....

2010-04-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

A member of our team hear at the Shireburn Arms Hotel and Restaurant was presented with a certificate to acknowledge the 13 years of service they have given to the Shireburn - out staying any other current employee! That person was our very own Beverley Scott from the housekeeping department.

Introducing Our Bev!

We thought it could make interesting reading to find out what has happened in all the time Bev has worked here so I asked her about some of the good times, the not so good times and if there are any funny tales she could tell. ……Read on to delve deep into the history of Bevs’ time at the Shireburn.

Q. When and why did you first join the Shireburn team?
A. I started work at the Shireburn in 1997, I had just moved to the Burnley area and was looking for work. I saw this job advertised in the local paper and when I came for the interview Steve took an instant liking to me and I have not looked back.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about how things have changed here at the Shireburn over the past thirteen years?
A. When I first started we had staff flats and some of the staff used to live in. Now the flats have been transformed into three executive rooms for the guests which are really modern and very stylish.

Q. What has been your happiest memory at the Shireburn?
A. Meeting all the lovely people I have worked with we are all like one big happy family and we have had a few romance and babies along the way.

Bev "I couldn't have done it without Henry"

Q. Do you have any bad memories at all?
A. We had a bad time when the foot and mouth outbreak hit the village; it hit the hotel really hard as I am sure it did everywhere.

Q. Ok, so any funny stories to cheer us up?
A. Oh yes we used to have a regular visitor at the hotel which was a chicken named Henrietta, she has attended quite a few of the weddings here; to the surprise of the bride and groom haha!

Q. Tell us about your typical working day and what it is that keep you going?
A. Well housekeeping is a very busy department, we have to make sure all downstairs areas are cleaned then it is onto the bedrooms, which we have to keep to a high standard. That keeps you on your toes and it is rewarding when we get the comment cards and see the guests and they are pleased with their stay. Only the other day did we have a lady in one of the rooms and she made a point of saying how nice the room was.

Bev Receiving her Reward for 13 years service

Q. Are there any changes you would like to see happen at the Shireburn?
A. No not really any I can think of as long as we keep serving the public and we survive the recession.

Q. What does the future hold for you?
A. RETIREMENT! Hahaha…..not just yet though- sorry about that Steve you will have to put up with me a bit longer!

So there you have it a short and sweet insight to life of our longest serving employee. Our managing director Steve Alcock said ‘look how I have changed in the 13 years…I have grey hair now!’

I aint afraid of no ghosts!

2010-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

If some things seem strange and they don’t look good! Who did we call? Well North West Sprit Seekers of course.

North West Sprit Seekers are a Ghost hunting company who organise events not only in the North West but across the UK.

They had some remarkable experiences with in the walls of the Shireburn. In the early hours of Sunday morning the group descended into our cellar, using an Ouija board they had a good chat with our resident Ghost a young boy called Frankie who allegedly met his untimely end when a barrel of beer fell on him.

While another group set up camp in room 17 (Tolkien room) with similar Ghostly happenings having spoken to one of the Pendle witches.

Now if you think your brave enough and would like more information regards Ghost hunts then contact reception on 01254 826518 or www.northwestspritseekers.co.uk

Standing Room Only

2010-04-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Spring Night at The Proms

On Saturday the 27th March Clitheroe Town band played to a full house at our spring night of the proms event which was a night to remember.

Diners while enjoying a Traditional English 4 course meal were entertained by Clitheroe Town Band featuring local legend Mr Eddie McGarry.

All the proms favourites including The Dam Busters March, Jerusalem, Nessun Dorma and Land of Hope and Glory plus many many more.

Whilst taking coffee song sheets were given out and every body invited to sing along to all their favorite tunes.

Should you wish to be kept informed of future events then please contact reception 01254 826518 or http://www.shireburnamrshotel.com/

A Diamond Performance

2010-01-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

Rob Leigh
is
NEIL DIAMOND

On Saturday the 30th January A full house of die hard Neil Diamond fans were quite simply stunned by the Diamond performance by Rob Leigh and his tribute to the legend that is

Neil Diamond.

Having enjoyed a 4 course meal dinners were treated as Rob performed the classics of Sweet Caroline and I am I said plus many many more. Having spoken to many of the Neil Diamond fans many commented how wonderful an evening it was.

Mr & Mrs Eccles of Hurst Green said –

What a wonder full evening wasn’t he good! Looking forward to seeing tom in April!

Mr Bradleys Party –

A cracking night, food, service and entertainment spot on!

Forthcoming Tributes include –

Tom Jones
17th April 2010

Elvis
25th June 2010

Rob Stuart
25th September 2010

For more information or to make a reservation then please contact reception
01254 826518 or visit www.shireburnarmshotel.com

Titanic Murder Mystery

2009-10-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

On a cold October evening here at the Shireburn Arms there was a murder!!!!!!!

Yes we had a Titanic murder mystery evening and it went down well!
A selection of budding Sherlock Holmes and some maybe some not so, descended on the Shireburn for a night of mystery, murder and even a sing song.

The After Dark Actors
(The one on the left looks guilty)

The evening started with the actors from the After Dark Murder Company introducing themselves and setting the scene for an amazing night. The murder scene was played out while guests enjoyed a four course meal. With all the actors on hand to be interrogated to see if anyone could find out who done it! It wouldn’t be until the end of the meal while taking coffee that the murderer would be found out!

To end a wonderful night we were treated to a magnificent rendition of you will never walk alone, after that prizes were given out to the winners and a special prize to those who may have not done so well!

And the winners are!

Lets just say they had a good night!

Now if you fancy yourself as the next Sherlock Holmes or if you just fancy night out with a difference then our next two Murder mysteries are on –

8th May – The scene yet to be decided
30th October – A Halloween Special.

For more information then please contact reception 01254 826518.

Forthcoming Wedding Fayre

2009-09-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Shireburn Arms Hotel is hosting a Wedding Fayre on Sunday 4th october, 2009 between 12.00 - 4.00pm. A host of stalls awaits you from Chair Covers to Cakes and Photographers to Wedding Cars. Each stall holder will be able to help you with details for your special day as well as members of the Shireburn management team who can help with any details for holding your wedding celebrations at The Shireburn Arms itself.

Bridal show is at 2pm.

Don't miss out.

Wedding Fayre!

2009-01-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

There is a wedding fayre on Sunday 1st February at the Shireburn. There will be stalls from many different wedding companies who come to advertise their products and give you information about prices or any other information you need to know. This is a great way to see what you would like at your wedding and bring it all together a bit more.

There is a bridal show at 2pm where you get to see different styles of bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses also including mother of the bride outfits, as well as men's wear.

Five bedrooms are open for you to view at your leisure, amble around the landscaped gardens to take in the views, and speak to Mr Steve Alcock (owner) and his professional management team.

Its a free admission with complimentary tea and coffee starting at 12 noon, and lasting til around 4pm. Over all it is a very enjoyable day and it is a key to a wedding for alot of people

Recipe of the month- Main course

2009-01-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

Breast of chicken stuffed with haggis and black pudding, accompanied by a whiskey and pepper sauce. (serves 4)

For the chicken you will need:

4 medium sized chicken supreme
4 slices of black pudding
4 slices of haggis
16 slices of panchetta or streaky bacon

For the sauce

200ml gravy
1 shallot finely diced
cracked black pepper
100ml double cream
25ml whiskey

firstly, pre-heat the oven at 200 degrees.

Then, butterfly the chicken supreme- place the supreme skin side down and make a slit under the fillet which will make a pocket, and stuff with the haggis and black pudding inside.

Wrap each chicken with 4 pieces of panchetta or bacon and seal in a frying pan with hot oil.

Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes.

Whilst the chicken is in the oven, fry the shallot in a pan until soft, then add the pepper an whiskey and keep on the heat until reduced.

Then add the gravy and the cream and reduce until it is a thicker sauce

To serve, slice the chicken in half so that the haggis and black pudding are exposed and drizzle the sauce over.

Late Christmas Parties!

2009-01-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

There is a late Christmas party night coming up for all the people that worked too hard over the Christmas period, and want a chance to have a good night with colleagues and friends.

This will take place on Saturday 24th January and its a night not to be missed. The last late christmas party night was a great success, we had many of good comments back so this is a great opportunity to get it booked.

There is a 4 course meal served, and then it will be time to party at the disco until 1am. This all comes at an outstanding price of £19.95 per person.

Please do not hesitate to contact us on the number below if you have any questions or queries.

01254 826518

There Has Been a Murder at The Shireburn!!!!

2008-12-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

There has been a murder at The Shireburn... so we hired the professionals to investigate!

It all took place on a cold, windy night on the 1st of November, and everyone was asking the same questions....what has happened and who has done it?? All possible suspects and the investigators were gathered to the dining room to discuss the situation.

But not to worry, everything was under control as the After Dark Murder Company sorted everything out, gave clues and answered questions.

The cast did scenes of the murder in between every course of a 4 course dinner, until the whole murder was re-enacted. At the end of the meal, during coffee, there was a quiz which, if you took notice of things throughout the night, you would have known who the guilty party was. Then... after a few guesses the murderer was announced. Only one person out of the whole room had been wise enough to know who it was! It was tricky but an overall great experience

Fancy solving a murder yourself, whilst having a fantastic 4 course dinner? All for only £30 per person. Well our next murder mystery night is on Saturday 3rd October!! It is really worth the wait.

A Successful Wedding Fayre

2008-10-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

The Shireburn Arms hosted a very successful Wedding Fayre On Sunday 5th October, 2008. Bridal suites were available for viewing along with over 14 exhibitors presenting their wedding services in the main function suite to all the potential Bride & Grooms. Dreamaker of Read & Cosgroves of Rimmington were responsible for the exciting Bridal Show, which highlighted the new season of Bridal Gowns as well as menswear and Mother of the Bride outfits. The amateur bridal models did an excellent job and all agreed the day was exceptionally well presented, informative and professional.

The following stalls exhibited on the day :

Dreamaker

Carolines Celebration Cakes

RVP Wedding Videos

Wedding Carriages

Nick Clarke Studio

Barbara Kay Shoes

All Track Promotions

The Chocolate House

Proctors Cheese Ltd

Creative Cover Hire

Celebration Balloons

Chocolate Indulgence

Deannamic Designs

Crystal Eternity

Manchester String Quartet

Chapels Spa

Garlands Florist

Stuart Bell - featuring vocalist Lauren

More information can be obtained from The Shireburn Arms Hotel direct on 01254 826518 for further information on The Shireburn as a wedding venue or information/leaflets on any of the above exhibitors.

The next scheduled Wedding fayre, which I'm sure will be equally as successful is on Sunday 1st February, 2009. Don't miss out on the chance to view the hotel, its facilities and the wide range of highly specialised exhibitors.

Please enjoy the photographs capturing the whole day, from stalls to the bridal show.

Dreamaker & Cosgrove Bridal Fashion Show

A big Thank You to all the exhibitors for their continued support, and Thanks as always to all who attended on the day. Hope to see you all again on the 1st February, 2009

A New Face at The Shireburn

2008-09-25T01:47:00.000-07:00

A new face at The Shireburn.

We would like to introduce a new member to our kitchen brigade junior sous Chef Robert Walls who recently joined us.

Having worked at The Castle at Taunton and the Duke of York Inn Grindleton he has added The Shireburn to his CV and is cooking up a storm in our kitchen. Those who dine here will have noticed the change as Robert has made his mark on our sweet menu, his own creations such as, Assiette of orange including blood orange champagne, blood orange jelly with orange chocolate truffle.

Also he’s bringing back the classics such as Apple charlotte with clotted cream.

Our chief taste tester and manager Steven Alcock is quite pleased with his new signing commented,

“A refreshing new talent to the Shireburn who will have a big impression not only in the kitchen but my waist line as well”

Welcome to the team Robert.

Recipe of the month

2008-08-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

For all those budding Gordon Ramsey`s, we thought it would be a good idea if you could take a piece of the Shireburn into your own home and treat your nearest and dearest. So every month we will be featuring a dish off our ala carte, bar snack or dessert menu to recreate in your own kitchen.

This month we have chosen one of our most popular starters from our ala carte menu

Roasted Scallops with a fennel and ginger cream. (Serves 2)

You will need -

* 8 Medium size scallops with the coral (orange fleshy part) taken off.
(A good fish monger will advise you and prepare them for you)
* 1/2 Bulb of fennel
* Grated fresh ginger to taste
* 200ml fresh cream
* 100 ml dry white wine
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 teaspoon Olive oil
* A drizzle of balsamic vinegar
* Julienne of leeks (fine strips)

To make the fennel and ginger cream – finely grate the fennel and add into a pan with the ginger and the white wine. Allow to reduce slightly, then add the cream and reduce again until it thickens, pass through a sieve and keep it warm to one side.

To cook the scallops – season the scallops with salt and pepper and place in a lightly oiled hot frying pan, cook until lightly coloured on one side and turn them over using a palate knife or spatula and cook for a further 1 or 2 minutes. Gently pan fry the leeks until crispy.

To assemble the dish – in the centre of the plate place the crispy fried leeks and then the scallops around the leeks. A dessert spoon of the fennel and ginger cream over each scallop and finely drizzle a little balsamic vinegar to garnish.

A starter that Mr Ramsey would be pleased to call his own.

Julys employee of the month winner is ........

2008-08-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Time sure flys by here at The Shireburn, another month gone and time to decide who should be the next star of the Shireburn.

Its employee of the month time yet again and rather than having a short listed 3 we thought it would be better to just anounce a winner for the month of July.

Its been a hard desicion to make yet again with a lot of budding hopefulls to receive a much sought after prize.

So drum roll please..............................................

And the winner is-

Andrew Armstrong

(Chef)

Well done Andrew and thankyou for all your hard work.

Elvis came, he sang and has now left the building.....

2008-07-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday 12th July, was a complete success, as Elvis Presley performed Live in front of The Shireburn Arms Audience. Singing and dancing to all the well known tracks, Carl Miller AKA Elvis had the audience in the palm of his hands as he belted out "Hound Dog, Suspicious Minds and Jail House Rock plus many more.

Speaking with some of the diners on the evening, all were very impressed with the food and service and of course the entertainment. Many were asking for the next Tribute Night. Not to disappoint any of those requests, we are now busily organising the next Tribute Night. Possibly Elton John, Tina Turner or even the Abbarettes - You will just have to wait and see which celebrity will perform next at The Shireburn Arms Hotel.

A few pictures below of the Elvis Night.

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE NEXT TRIBUTE NIGHT.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

Employee of the Month : June

2008-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

And the winner of The shireburn Arms Hotel,

Employee of the Month for June was ...........

Samantha Leach

Well Done Samantha for all your hard work. Here we see last months winner, Suzanne Bailey presenting Samantha with her certificate, badge and bottle of champagne.

Keep up the good work for next month!!

It's going to be a change at the top!!!!!!!!

2008-07-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

The nominations for July’s employee of the month are in. Unfortunate for our reigning employee of the month champion now known as Super Suzanne, it’s not going to be a seventh wins in a row which would have been a Shireburn Arms record.

Speaking to Suzanne yesterday after the nominations were announced she said

“I am really happy for all the nominees and do not mind who gets employee of the month as they have all worked so hard ”

So who are the chosen 3 who are going to battle it out for such a prestigious award?

Our 1st nominee is Samantha Leach. A new face to the Shireburn who shows great promise.
Our 2nd is Sally Rowland always smiling and efficient.
Our 3rd and pretty much a wild card is Oliver Jeffery’s a much liked member of the kitchen porter brigade.

The final decision will be made very soon, so good luck to all three of you.
At the end of the day you are all winners!

And the winner is...........

2008-07-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Management & Staff at The Shireburn Arms Hotel are celebrating

being awarded the trophy from

The Lancashire & Blackpool Toursim Board for

Small Hotel of the Year 2008.

Congratulations to all staff who have all contributed to the Shireburn winning such a prestigious award. It makes all the hard work worthwhile, when the hotel is recognised for its food, service, accommodation and hospitality.

Well Done Everyone. The drinks are on Steve!!!!

Thank You Card

2008-06-08T01:17:00.001-07:00

A lovely Thank You card arrived today from the recent May wedding. It is always nice receive a Thank You card, knowing that you have contributed in making someones wedding, one to remember.

Introducing the Legendary ginger beer kid

2008-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

(The Ginger nut himself with his case of Bundaberg ginger beer)

Oliver aka Chucky one of our kitchen porters whilst working at the Shireburn has developed a taste for one of Australia's finest exports Bundaberg ginger beer. He likes it so much that he asked us to fly a case all the way from down under. Its all we could do for him and of course our customers who risked drinking what is now known as Chuckys tipple.

Proud of his purchase he says "I cant get enough of the tangy gingery taste".

http://www.bundaberg-brew.com.au/

The rebirth of the Shireburn Arms employee of the month award

2008-05-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Its getting near to the time where management and chefs decide who will win the much sought after accolade of :

Employee of the Month here at The Shireburn for June

The question is, will Suzanne retain her title for the seventh month running or are we going to have a change at the top!

Still all to play for as a shortlist of 3 members of staff will be decided in the coming weeks, the winner will be announced at the end of June. The hard working individual will be presented with a certificate, a specially selected price and a big yellow star badge to be worn with pride.

Our former winner Suzanne speaks exclusively to me, "Its a great idea to have an award like this, it gives you focus and something to work towards and installs healthy competition between fellow work colleagues"

Who will shine this month?

Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!

The Shireburn does its bit for Charity.

2008-05-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Charity plays in an important part at The Shireburn Arms, as the Manager and staff support local charity golf days, as well as the football and cricket teams in Hurst Green. Here's a lovely e-mail from the organisor of the May Charity Golf Day thanking the supporters who donated so generously that day.

Dear All

Thanks to everyone for yesterday and for the support and advice, extended to me over the past few months, since taking over as chairman of the charity committee for 2008.

Although I understand we are slightly down on last year for reasons, we can discuss at our de-briefing meeting on the 19th I still view yesterday a great success.

'good weather, great atmosphere, excellent golf and a good helping of laughter'. SPGC at its best pulling together for the benefit of others less fortunate than ourselves.

In my opinion yesterday there were no losers, only winners, thanks to the continued generosity of the sponsors and hard work of a charity committee committed, to making a difference.

I have to tell you, last night I was extremely proud to be associated with corporate/charity day and I know you all must have felt the same.

Once again thank you and have an enjoyable bank holiday weekend and I look forward to seeing you on the 19th.

Best regards

Peter Dowdy

Nominations are announced..........

2008-05-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Management & Staff at

The Shireburn Arms Hotel.

Nominations have been announced and we are pleased to confirm that The Shireburn Arms Hotel has been nominated for a second year running, for Small Hotel of the Year. Last year we achieved a Highly Commended Award but this year we want to WIN!!

May 2008
Tourism Awards shortlist announced

We are delighted to report that a record 87 businesses have entered this year’s Tourism Awards. This is an increase of 10 on last year. And now these entries have been turned in to a shortlist that will compete across 13 Awards categories at the lunchtime ceremony on Wednesday June 18 at Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

Shortlist for the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2008/09

Small Hotel of the Year:
· Bartle Hall Country Hotel, Nr Preston
· Crofters Hotel, Garstang
· The Shireburn Hotel, Hurst Green

Good Luck Shireburn Arms.

A word of Thanks

2008-05-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Look what dropped into my Inbox this morning !! A lovely letter of thanks from the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. It is always nice to be appreciated for the hard work that all my staff endeavour to provide. Well Done to all staff concerned.

Hello Mr Alcock

A belated note of thanks for taking such good care of the XK8 Forum members of the JEC last weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality, and for the way your staff looked after us so well, both for those who stayed overnight on Saturday and those that joined us on Sunday morning!

Should you wish you can see some pictures taken during our very wet day out on the web site address below:

http://www.johnbrennand.co.uk/2008_lancashire_hot_pot.htm

Thanks again, and if you will have us we would very much like to repeat the experience sometime in the future.

Bye for now

A Successful Hot Shot Night.

2008-05-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order for Lee Unthank, our Junior Sous chef at the Shireburn Arms Hotel who successfully hosted his very own Hot Shots Evening and ran his own brigade as a Head Chef for a night.

Well Done Lee!! The night was a complete success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Mr Mike Wilkinson from the Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board was also on hand to present a very special memento to Lee in recognition of his hard work and enthusiasm towards the evening.

A sample of some of the tasty treats Lee's menu had to offer.

What an excellent evening, and a credit to a young and talented chef. Well Done again.

John & Sybilla Painting Class

2008-05-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Shireburn Arms Hotel Proudly Presents our regular customers

John & Sybilla, who host monthly painting classes.

John & Sybilla have been hosting painting classes for beginners through to amateurs here at the Shireburn Arms Hotel for a number of years. The groups are very well attended and the painting skills of John & Sybilla are excellent. They pass their wisdom onto all who attend and they certainly brighten the room with their creative paintings. Here's to many more classes.

( Sample paintings) (Regular class attendees)

(Expertise Tuition from John) (More sample paintings)

For future dates of John & Sybilla's painting classes, please contact the hotel direct on

01254 826518.

What's on Guide ........

2008-04-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Forthcoming Events

Don't miss out on your chance to enjoy a fantastic Theme Night at

The Shireburn Arms

Book Early to avoid disappoinment.

ELVIS PRESLEY TRIBUTE NIGHT - Saturday 12th July, 08

4 course choice menu with Elvis tribute and dancing 'till 1am
Only - £25.00 per person

MURDER MYSTERY EVENING - Saturday 1st November, 08
4 course choice menu, murder included!
Only - £25.00 per person

Hot Shot Chefs

2008-04-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

Shireburn Arms Hotel, Hurst Green

The second of our young Hot Shot Chefs for this year is junior sous chef Lee Unthank of the Shireburn Arms Hotel, Hurst Green, Clitheroe and at only nineteen years old, Lee is one of our youngest ever Hot Shot chefs.

Lee has been employed at the Shireburn Arms for just over six months after completing his NVQ’s upto Level 2 at Nelson & Colne College, and is already making his mark in the kitchen with his passion and enthusiasm.

With a creative mind that constantly strives to achieve new and exciting dishes, Lee cites Marco Pierre White as his favourite chef and inspiration behind both his menu for the evening and his favourite dish – Pan fried Seabass.

“I have the best of both worlds here” says Lee. “I am surrounded not only by fantastic local produce, but I work in the fabulous location of the Ribble Valley – how can anyone not be inspired to create a memorable dining experience for our customers?”

Lee will be cooking his menu on Wednesday 30th April, priced £15 per person. To book call the restaurant direct on 01254 826518

Hot Shots Menu

Andrew Irelands Bury Black Pudding, Brendan’s Farmhouse Sausage and Bacon Tart
With a wholegrain mustard dressing

Lancaster Smoked Salmon and Prawn Parcel
With a lemon infused dill dressing

Tasty Lancashire Cheese and Potato Terrine
With red onion and sun-blushed tomato compote
……………………………………………………….

Roast Rump of Bowland Lamb
On a bed of roasted root vegetables and natural oven juices

Reg Johnsons Goosnargh Corn-Fed Chicken Breast
Stuffed with Dewley Garstang blue cheese, baby spinach and wrapped in smoked bacon with a creamy thyme sauce

Grilled Fleetwood Trout Fillets
With an almond and chive sauce
………………………………………………………….

Grandma Singletons Cheese Cheesecake
With an apple and grape compote

Homemade Jelly of Red Fruits
With raspberry coulis

White Chocolate and Whiskey Bread and Butter Pudding
With crème anglaise