BUSINESS PIONEER A RUTLAND GUEST

A former Sheffield student who graduated in 1951 was a guest at the Rutland Hotel for the Chancellor of the University's recent retirement dinner.

Austin Cole, pictured at the hotel with manager Kirsty Butterfield, enjoyed a successful and distinguished career after gaining a place at the school of architecture at Sheffield University back in 1946.

Born in 1922, Mr Cole worked alongside Charles Darwin's granddaughter during the six years he spent with Naval Intelligence prior to taking up his position at the University.

Upon graduation he ran a full blown architectural practice in Cambridge and was commissioned by prominent families and a London Bond street firm to produce office buildings, factories and retail and wholesale developments.

He also designed the first petrol station in the shape of Stonehenge in Sheffield, and is the author of 'Top Hats, White Tie and Clodhoppers', available at Waterstones for £8.99.

SPICE UP THE RUTLAND HOTEL'S MENU AND WIN A LUXURY OVERNIGHT STAY

Picture from left: Henderson Relish Managing Director Dr Kennedy with Rutland Hotel Head Chef Jason Horton.

Ever fancied yourself as the next Gordon Ramsey? If so, a top Sheffield hotel is challenging you to create a new, exciting signature dish.

The Rutland is looking to spice up its popular 'Yorkshire Six' menu with a tasty main course creation using the locally produced, world-famous Henderson's Relish as the key ingredient.

A luxury overnight stay for two in the Rutland's luxurious Hurlstone Suite awaits the winner plus a gift box containing 4 bottles of Henderson Relish and a Henderson’s Apron - but that's not all. You will celebrate with a bottle of champagne on arrival before sampling your very own dish in the restaurant.

Rutland's head chef Jason Horton says: "Henderson's Relish is synonymous with Yorkshire, which is why we are keen to incorporate it into a signature dish on our unique 'Yorkshire Six' menu, which offers six starters, six main courses and six puddings all made from the finest locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Jason and his team at the Rutland will select a group of worthy finalists, based on the recipes they submit, and invite them into the hotel kitchen to prepare their dishes for a panel of judges from the Rutland and Henderson’s.

The Rutland’s exciting initiative underlines their on-going commitment to promoting Yorkshire produce under the ‘Deliciously Yorkshire’ banner.

Henderson’s Relish, ‘the spicy Yorkshire sauce’, has been a popular choice among hotel diners for some time. Produced in Sheffield for over 100 years, it has become the favourite accompaniment of many celebrities including Sheffield actor Sean Bean, pop star KT Tunstall and politician David Blunkett.

To enter the Rutland Hotel-Henderson’s Relish Competition simply send the name of your main course dish along with your recipe to: Henderson Relish Competition, Rutland Hotel, 452 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2PY and don’t forget to include your name, address and contact number. Entries must be received no later than 31st July 2009.

New Yorkshire Six Menu launched for summer.

The Rutland's kitchen team pictured right.

Summer has finally arrived and the chefs at the Rutland Hotel have created a new summer Yorkshire Six menu to compliment the great British summer.

As always, the ingredients are sourced form local suppliers such as Round Green Farm Barnsley, Temple meats of Rotherham, Fresh fruit and vegetables from Country Fresh of Sheffield, Cheese form Michael Lee of Wakefield, dairy from Moseley’s of the Rivelin Valley and not forgetting Bakewell puddings, not to be confused with Bakewell Tart, from the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. (The puddings may be from Derbyshire but is a local, Sheffield, well loved tradition and only a 20 minute drive from the hotel)

The hotel restaurant is open to the public too, not just hotel residents, so to make a reservation call 0114 2664411.

'AUSSIE' COUPLE RETURNS TO SHEFFIELD ROOTS

Two former Sheffield University students who married in the city before beginning a new life Down Under have re-traced their steps - 30 years later.

Steve Walters and his wife Alison celebrated their wedding day at the Rutland Hotel in 1979 and were back there this week for a nostalgic visit, staying in the luxurious Hurlstone Suite.

"It was great to come back to the Rutland after all this time and be so well looked after," said Steve. "It has just as much character as it did all those years ago and the refurbishments are fantastic. We couldn't believe how big the University has grown, and how the city has changed."

Now a professor at the University of Queensland, Steve achieved a first class honours degree in Science and Geology before gaining a PHD in the city and becoming a prize-winning graduate. Alison read English Literature at the same University and worked for the Sheffield Star and Sheffield Telegraph.

The couple, pictured at the Rutland three decades ago, and again on this week's visit, jetted off to Australia when Steve was recruited by BHP, living in Brisbane and then Adelaide.

100 NOT OUT FOR HOTEL STAFF

Pictured above from left to right: Marie Panks, Tony Lancini, Hotel Director Craig Dowie and Mercedes Martinez enjoying a celebratory breakfast at the Rutland Hotel.

Four dedicated employees at Sheffield’s largest independent hotel, The Rutland on Glossop Road, have been rewarded for clocking up 100 years of loyal service.

Night Porter Tony Lancini, 72, who started work at The Rutland Hotel back in 1977, is the longest serving of the quartet. He claims to know all the ghosts by their first names - and their habits!

Mercedes Martinez, 71, joined two years later than Tony. A breakfast waitress, she was originally employed by her husband who was restaurant manager at the time.
Working alongside Mercedes is 70-year-old Marie Panks, who joined The Rutland in 1982. Despite her advancing years she continues to work six days a week, getting up at 5am to make sure guests receive an enjoyable breakfast.

The junior member of the hard-working group is Emmanuel Okereke, 68, who joined the hotel 10 years ago as kitchen porter and still works five days a week "just to keep tabs on the youngsters."

Hotel Director Craig Dowie says: "Their long service demonstrates how much our staff enjoy working at The Rutland Hotel. Such loyalty and experience makes sure our guests always have an enjoyable stay."

RUTLAND SERVES UP A TASTY NEW TREAT

Picture: (from left) Rutland Hotel Head Chef Jason Horton and Jemma Pheasey, Business Manager from The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

DINERS at The Rutland Hotel in Sheffield are tucking into the original world famous Bakewell puddings - and they simply can't get enough!

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, which produces the popular Derbyshire delicacy, is also providing Sheffield's largest independent hotel with freshly baked bread and scones.

The Rutland’s Head Chef Jason Horton says: "The original Bakewell Pudding is going down a treat in our restaurant and as a room service snack. The puddings are fresh and hand-made, and our diners just love them."

The Rutland's link up with the traditional bakery is enhancing the Yorkshire South ‘Take A Peak’ promotion, which is encouraging tourists to visit the Peak District and stay in Sheffield.

As well as the Peak District’s most famous pudding, a variety of breads provided by The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is also proving a big hit with residents and diners alike.

RUTLAND TEAM'S FAIR PLAY AWARD

Pictured: Premiership Referee Howard Webb (centre) makes presentation of the Fair Play Award
to the Redmires Rangers under 11’s team


Scooping football trophies is not just about scoring goals and winning matches - just ask the young players at Redmires Rangers.

The junior club, sponsored by Sheffield's Rutland Hotel, has just been honored for its conduct on the field of play.

The under 11’s, who play in the 'Ideas2develop' Sunday League, received their Fair Play trophy at a special ceremony held at The Rutland Hotel.

Alistair Eaton, who manages the Rangers, said: "Our boys worked very hard throughout the season, in some awful weather conditions and up against some very good teams.

"Maintaining a high standard of conduct on the field of play is an important quality for all fledgling footballers and I am very proud of our team for winning this award. Our aim is to finish in at least a mid-table position next season, when we will again be sponsored by The Rutland Hotel."