Food historian Sam Bilton is the special guest for the first event taking place on Friday 3 December, The History of Gingerbread. Exploring the origins of this delicious treat, from its mysterious honey ‘cake’ roots in the ancient world to the sticky treacle laden confections we love today – and touching on savoury applications as well as sweet – this intimate evening will include a selection of historic gingerbreads to taste over a glass or two of spiced ale. Tickets are £30 per person.
From sweet food to drink, and the historic tipple that is experiencing a huge revival at the moment, experts from the Lancashire Mead Company will join the Barley Hall team for an evening of Festive Mead Tasting. Participants will hear how the brewing techniques today compare to those of yesterday, and taste a variety of meads in the company of the team that make them. Festive Mead Tasting takes place on Saturday 4 December from 7pm, with tickets priced at £35 per person (over 18s only).
“We are so pleased to be welcoming Sam and the Lancashire Mead Company into our Great Hall for these events, which adds a wonderful historical resonance to the evening – knowing that you are in the place where Lords and Ladies would have been welcomed to receptions hundreds of years ago,” comments events co-ordinator, Emily Readman. “Sam’s latest book, First Catch Your Gingerbread, has proved incredibly popular, and her presentation is sure to inspire anyone planning to make gingerbread treats this Christmas, and after our livestreamed mead tasting session sold out twice earlier this year, it will be great for mead fans to be able to join the team in person in such a grand setting for this extra special tasting event, to listen and ask questions.”
The final event is a medieval feast that former Lord Mayor of York and occupant of Barley Hall, William Snawsell, would have been proud to host! Exploring the medieval origins of some of today’s Christmas traditions with a special master of ceremonies, the themed evening will see diners welcomed with a glass of mead, before sitting down in the Great Hall for a two course feast with wine and entertainment. Tickets are £68 per person, with limited places available.
As is tradition, Barley Hall itself will be decorated with festive foliage right through until Christmas for event attendees as well as visitors to the restored medieval townhouse – which has been home to priors and nobles during its long history – during the day. Barley Hall is open daily from 10am to 3pm throughout the winter.
For more details on all of the events, or to book tickets, please visit barleyhall.co.uk or call 01904 615505.