Journal

To many people, Newsham Road is simply a quiet stretch of countryside road running between Thirsk and Northallerton. But to our family, it means something far greater. Running directly through the heart of our land, it connects every part of our world - from the farm and wedding venue to our hospitality ventures in town - ultimately becoming the inspiration behind the Newsham name itself.

Tucked quietly into the countryside just outside Thirsk sits one of North Yorkshire’s most unexpected landmarks - a large Buddha statue overlooking the rolling landscape from the heart of our family farm. What began as a deeply personal tribute unexpectedly became a place of comfort, stillness and reflection for thousands of people during the Covid lockdown years.

The best hospitality is not really about thread counts or perfectly styled interiors, although those things certainly help. It is about how a place makes you feel. Well fed. Properly rested. Inspired. And a little less tethered to your phone. At Newsham, we are creating a collection of places and experiences where great food, thoughtful design, memorable events and everything we love about the countryside come together in a way that feels both special and entirely natural.

In North Yorkshire, tea is less of an option and more of a way of life. It marks the start of the day, the end of a long walk and the answer to almost every question worth asking. Whether you’re staying at 35 Kirkgate or unwinding elsewhere in and around Newsham, few rituals feel more reassuring than putting the kettle on.

One of those wonderfully forgiving puddings that looks far more impressive than the effort involved. Soft apples, buttery caramel and crisp pastry come together in a dessert that feels deeply comforting for an Autumn weekend. Serve warm with a dollop or two of crème fraîche or your favourite ice cream and don’t worry if it looks a little rustic - that’s very much part of its charm. People will almost definitely assume it was much harder to make than it actually was too.