Archives for December 2018

Upper House are delighted to be part of the Manchester Plastic Free GM Pledge to eradicate single-use plastic straws and ultimately all single use plastics in the Greater Manchester hospitality industry.

By joining the movement, we are able to use these wonderful paper straws in the Upper House Hunstman’s Inn and cocktail bar. FSC certified and fully recyclable, the sale of each box of this strong and stylish straw will mean a donation to the Manchester Emergency Fund, set up to support those affected by the 2017 attack.

This straw is perfect for our Cocktails dedicated to Agatha Christie at Upper House. Agatha enjoyed many happy times at Upper House, which was the hunting lodge of her sister Madge and brother in law, James Watts. There are three books connected to Upper House – The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge, Hercule Piorot’s Christmas, and the Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.

Our first homage is called Agatha Christies Bourbon Milk Punch, designed as the perfect nightcap after a long day of celebrating at Upper House!

Served in our iconic Bee glasses, this comforting concoction of bourbon, milk, clear honey, vanilla and nutmeg is designed to soothe. Agatha Christie didn’t drink, but she was partial to quaffing glasses of cream, sometimes mixed with milk! We hope this clever disguise gets her approval!

Our other reposer is dedicated to Miss Marple, whose name was taken from the nearby town of Marple that Agatha passed through on the train on her way to Upper House.

Miss Marple’s Afternoon Tea will inspire you to think through all the evidence! A convivial blend of Tea from The Manor with dark rum and fresh citrus juices. Choo! Choo!

The bee straw is available exclusively with Stephensons, www.stephensons.com a northwest catering supply business celebrating 150 years in business in Manchester this year. Managing director Henry Stephenson said “… we are absolutely honored to be able to assist the GMCA in their plans to make this fantastic city a more sustainable place for everyone.”

Pledgers like Upper House also have access to other eco-friendly items, and look forward to more, which began with the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham’s pledge at the 2018 GMCA’s Green Summit.

Phoebe and James take to the hills on their Wedding Day – credit Adam Lowndes

Blustery mountain skies are no stranger to this beautiful couple, Phoebe and James. This Peak District duo are heading for Everest Base Camp for their honeymoon, perhaps detouring via Africa and Argentina before the big one!

Upper House beneath Kinder Low End – credit Adam Lowndes

Mountains are part of their story, and this was a subtle and personal theme that ran through their wedding day.

“We actually found your place when hiking up Kinder and we could just see the roof peeking through the trees. It later popped up on my Facebook page and the moment I saw that you could get married there I was sold!

In New Zealand one of my favourite places was the Fox Glacier where we spent the day ice climbing and caving. Knowing that you can ice climb on Kinder Downfall made it feel even more special.”

Whilst climbing in New Zealand, they also experienced a Hobbit feast.

“Lord of the rings isn’t so much of a big thing for us but it is one our fave lazy Sunday films. We visited Hobbiton in New Zealand and had a banquet in the Green Dragon Pub with the fires lit and jolly music playing. The setting made us feel so happy and warm inside that I knew I wanted that style of meal at our wedding. I really wanted to share this experience with my friends and family back home.”

Parsnips and carrots amid the décor lent both a medieval and fantastical edge – credit Adam Lowndes

For their wedding, they devised tables laden with fruit and vegetables, platters and bowls, stunningly arranged by Samuel James Events, who totally got on board with their idea, serving sides of lamb, hunks of beef, whole chickens and an array of inspirational sides, all presented for guests to rip into and share around! A seasonal and taste sensation!

And all this from a bride who is herself a vegetarian! What a girl, she blew us away with her thoughtfulness for other people, a real staff favorite. We had to include this phone shot of her tearing up chickens on the top table!

Long drinks all round! – credit Adam Lowndes

Gin was also a part of their story! Individually twisted pre-dinner gins welcomed each guest to the table for the speeches.

Gin featured also as a stunning cake! Cakes made by Beeley Bakes took centre stage with a take on the regional favorite Bakewell tart cake accompanied by a gin and tonic confection and a delightful Baileys and chocolate!

The Jacobean window in The Great Hall displays the trio of cake – credit Adam Lowndes

The dance floor jumped to songs chosen by the couple and played by the wonderful DJ Ail B

Strutting all kinds of stuff beneath the amazing floral décor by Kirsty McCallion- credit Adam Lowndes

A riotous end to an amazing day of fun, love and laughter that will never forgotten, we were honored to host this amazing couple on this little mountain in their beloved Peak District.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Mottershaw from all at Upper House – credit Adam Lowndes