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17th June 2022
For the past 23 years, David Munro has been creating amazing dishes in many famous restaurants across Northumberland.
Over that time, David has honed his skills using local, seasonal produce to deliver delicious dishes.
It’s why we’re delighted to welcome David to Ellingham Hall as our new Head Chef. And in doing so, we’re also reuniting David with his very first boss, our Executive Head Chef, John Blackmore, creating a dream team in our kitchen.
David started working with John at the Tankerville Arms in Eglingham when John was Chef Patron there. David remembers, “I trained with John for seven years at the Tankerville from the age of 13 right until I was 20 years old.
“I was an apprentice and was on a modern apprenticeship course with Northumberland College and spent the rest of my time working with John in the kitchens. He gave me my opportunity to get into this industry.”
David says the way he now works is thanks to what he learned from John, so working together again feels natural.
“It’s lovely to be back working with John again,” he explains. “We have the same work ethic because it was instilled in me from him from a young age. We’re very similar in the way we work and the way we drive forward.
“Some people at Ellingham Hall say it’s like the dream team is back together. I suppose it is!”
Over the past 15 years since last working with John, David has forged a career in providing high quality food at restaurants across Northumberland including the Castle Hotel in Bamburgh and the White Swan Inn at Warenford. David has continued to get a deep understanding about the produce on our doorstep during that time.
“I think we are blessed in Northumberland because we have the best produce in the whole country from land to sea. We’ve got amazing seafood as well as some of the best game. The produce we grow is also some of the best in the UK, such as our potatoes.
“Ellingham Hall already provides amazing menus using local produce and we want to do more. Both John and I like to use a modern twist on traditional favourites, so I’m looking forward to driving things forward together.”
It is the first time in his career that David has worked at an exclusive wedding venue. So, is he enjoying his time at Ellingham Hall?
“I really love being part of the team,” he says. “It’s amazing how everybody works together in all areas. It’s a proper team attitude. And it really shows because the venue is loved so much by the visitors and guests.
“I’m already feeling at home. I really enjoy going to work every single day, which is a bit of a rare thing in this industry. There’s a family atmosphere and the team spirit makes it such an enjoyable place to work.”
“I booked a lunch party at Ellingham Hall for a very discerning group comprising of generous supporters of a local charity. We were 27 people and we enjoyed a Champagne reception before a delicious three course lunch. Wendy and her team could not do enough for us, our every request was granted. Dietary requirements were very efficiently and creatively dealt with and the result was a most enjoyable event at a price I was very satisfied with. I would definitely use Ellingham Hall again for a function like this.”
Jon Radgick
“We can’t thank the team at Ellingham Hall enough for going above and beyond on our special day, our day was magical and nothing was impossible. Debbie and Wendy made us feel heard and valued and the staff were fantastic and made sure it all went smoothly. We want to do it all again and we couldn’t have done it without the fantastic team at Ellingham Hall.”
Lyndsay & Ryan Ford, 11th July 2024
“The hall catered for everything we needed, from the luxury entrance rooms, to the grounds outside, which we used to talk with clients in more detail afterwards. It was exactly what we wanted to allow us to host a presentation of this size. Guests were welcomed with a selection of drinks and canapés in the entrance hall and then again on departure. The seminar itself took place in the Chapel, while the dining room and drawing room provided the perfect spaces clients to relax.
Michael Sage, Director, Sage Wealth Management
“Ellingham was the second venue we looked at and as soon as we saw it we knew that’s where we had to get married. We travelled 2 hours to get here with many of our guests coming further than that. We were looking for a venue that could offer the whole day there and would suit a wedding of 33 people which most local venues around us didn’t. Our guests couldn’t believe how beautiful the whole place was and everyone commented on such an amazing find! There are no hidden costs and everything is clear on their website which seems to be a rarity when looking online at different venues.”
Leah & Steven Williams, 6th February 2024
“I have hosted seminars for over 30 years, all over the country at various well-known venues. At Ellingham Hall you remember everything, from the beautiful quirky venue which has retained its historic features, the friendly staff, great service and the delicious food and amazing coffee! The meeting room had good light and was the perfect size for our event. It was lovely to have use of the comfortable reception rooms too for breaks and lunch. I was very impressed with the extra spaces such as the basement games room and rooftop networking terrace. It is a hidden jewel in the North-East and I am planning to return soon for a private family event”
Amanda Chadwick, Senior Speaker/Presenter, Croner
“Can’t believe it’s been 2 months since our big day! We’re finally off on our honeymoon, so wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for all your help in creating our special day. The venue was perfect, service excellent, food yummy, den amazing, rooms beautiful – everyone had the best time.”
Rebecca & Daniel Askew, 28th May 2024
