HAIR'S TO A GREAT HOTEL!

Pictured: Julie McGuigan, owner of ‘Lux at the Crown Hotel’, in the new salon

Luxury rooms, great food - and now even a haircut with a difference! The Crown Hotel has it all.
Bawtry's award-winning hotel is delighted to announce the opening of a new hair salon 'Lux at The Crown Hotel', which also offers a range of luxurious complimentary rituals.

Lux, formerly of Dower House Square in the town, is providing stress-relieving hand, scalp and shoulder treatments using natural, organic products by AVEDA, as well as hair make-overs for all occasions.

Owner Julie McGuigan, announcing her link-up with the Crown Hotel, says: "Our service is unique - we're not just a hair salon. Customers can relax in special massage chairs while we pamper them with our pure flower and plant based range of products by AVEDA.
"They can choose from a range of treatments and products while having their hair done for special occasions such as weddings, parties and days out at the races," adds Julie, who has over 30 years' experience in the hair and beauty industry.

Craig Dowie, managing director at The Crown, says: "Lux are specialists in bridal and wedding hair-ups and styling so their presence in the hotel adds an invaluable service to our wedding parties. There is also a wonderful aroma throughout the hotel from the scented candles in the salon."

The salon, which currently has four fully trained stylists, re-located to The Crown at the end of July and is open six days a week, including Sundays for bridal parties.

CROWN HORSES IN WINNERS' ENCLOSURE

The team of racehorses sponsored by The Crown has been in good form, with both Wibbadune and Circle Dance reaching the winners' enclosure.

Wibbadune was second in a five-furlong fillies' handicap at Bath in August, and will now have a break before returning for the All-Weather season, having won twice on the Polytrack surface at Lingfield.

Circle Dance followed up his third places in big fields at Yarmouth and Doncaster with a creditable fourth in another cavalry charge at Redcar.
The gelding will also be back for a campaign on the sand following his well-earned break, alonng with winning three-year-old filly Sills Vincero.

The horses are owned by Skys Sports At The Races presenter Simon Mapletoft, and are trained at Newark by Derek Shaw.

FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH!

Tell us about your family life
I'm actually a twin. I'm a scorpio,so although I'm quite laid back I do have a sting in my tail! I'm a farmer's daughter and live in Harworth with my husband Nigel. We will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary next year. We have two children, who are 16 and four. My daughter Laura works in the restaurant as a waitress and hopes to work on the airlines one day on the cabin crew. My twin Sue has taken a very different career path. She's a HGV lorry driver!



How did you become a chef?
I started as a commis chef at the age of 18 after doing a two-year course at Worksop Catering College. By the time I was 21 I was second chef and got promoted to my current position about six years later.

Are you part of a big team?
Yes, we have a pretty large team as it is a very busy kitchen. We have eight chefs plus five kitchen porters. It's like one big family, really. I love the job and couldn't imagine working anywhere else.

What is your daily routine?
I'm always in the kitchen for 7.30am, as there is such a lot of preparation to get through. I usually leave the hotel at about 2.30pm for a few hours' break but I'm back in the kitchen again from 6pm until about 10.30pm. Sometimes later ... Occasionally I get the chance to promote the hotel. For example, I've been on BBC Radio Sheffield's 'Saturday Kitchen', talking through some of me recipes and sampling some of our dishes.

What makes a good Head Chef?
Being calm! My kitchen is nothing like some of the ones you see on television, when everyone seems to be shouting and screaming. I must admit I'm the calmest chef you could ever meet. I'm also hardworking - there's no other way. To get the best results you must appreciate and respect your team, it's as simple as that.

How have things changed?
The Crown has always been a traditional hotel serving traditional food, but we have introduced a modern twist which has been a huge success. Another important development has been the introduction of local produce and we enjoy an excellent working relationship with our dedicated suppliers. Progressing from a three-star to a four-star hotel has taken a massive amount of work but it is a fantastic achievement by all the staff. I've worked alongside Craig (Dowie), the boss, for six years and we have a great deal of mutual respect for one another.


Biggest cooking influence?
Mum – always something on the table day and night.



Favourite celebrity chef?
It's got to be Gordon Ramsey. he's much louder than me but what you see is what you get. He's entertaining and very passionate about his food, which is the most important thing.

Key to the restaurant's success?
Team work is vital and I enjoy an excellent relationship with our Restaurant Manager Amanda Pashley. The service in our restaurant is impeccable and everyone is given individual attention from the moment they arrive. Apart from our regular menu we offer a range of specials which help to keep things interesting.

If you got a Saturday night off what would you do?
Go into Bawtry with my girlfriends for a few drinks or order a Chinese, open a bottle of wine and watch a movie. Pretty Woman is my favourite!

What do you most enjoy out of work?
I love a day at the races. The Crown works in partnership with Doncaster Racecourse so I often get the chance to represent the hotel when we sponsor a race there. If I'm not going to the races I love going out for a Chinese meal.

CROWN HOTEL KEEPS GUESTS FITTER

Guests at The Crown Hotel in Bawtry are feeling fitter, thanks to a new partnership with the local gym.

The award-winning hotel has joined forces with Bawtry Health and Fitness Studios to offer visitors the chance to work out during their stay.

Guests can now purchase an exclusive one-day pass to the Church Walk gym, which is less than 100 meters from the hotel.

Crown managing director Craig Dowie, who took part in a world record breaking fitness marathon at the studios in June, said: "The facilities at Bawtry Health and Fitness Studio are second to none, and the day passes are already proving a big hit with our health conscious guests."

Gym owner Luke Walker adds: "We had pop group Boyzone using our facilities when they stayed at The Crown during their tour rehearsals earlier in the summer, and they loved it. Other guests are really enjoying using our equipment and we have an in-house personal trainer to help those who are more serious about their fitness."

Bawtry Health & Fitness Studios are located in the redeveloped 19th Century Methodist Chapel. The gym is set over three levels, offering modern training facilities in a relaxed and helpful environment.
The 35-station club is also equipped with Technogym cardiovascular equipment, resistance equipment and a selection of free weights. Downstairs is a relaxation room for pre and post workout stretching and floor exercises.
Bawtry Health and Fitness Studios are open from 7am - 9pm weekdays and 9am - 3pm at weekends.

CROWN HOTEL TURNS ON THE STYLE

Pictured above: Second year students during a visit to the Bawtry hotel to get a feel for their task


Staff at The Crown Hotel will be looking even more fashionable this summer, thanks to a group of Doncaster students.

Youngsters on the BA Hons Fashion & Textile Design course at Doncaster College have been challenged to create new uniforms for The Crown Hotel, Bawtry and its sister hotel, The Rutland Hotel in Sheffield.


"I want them to come up with something that is smart but trendy, reflecting the contemporary style of both The Crown and The Rutland," says Hotel Director Craig Dowie. "They have already developed some exciting ideas and I am looking forward to seeing my staff wearing the new designs later this year”.

Already the Doncaster College students have proven they have the flair to rise to just about any challenge. They designed an evening dress for opera singer Claire Groom's performance at the Royal Opera House in London; theatrical attire for the complete cast of The Marat Sade, which toured around Yorkshire; and even completed the design and manufacture of the Doncaster Dragons Rugby Club mascot.

The students also showcased their latest work at the annual Doncaster College and University Centre Doncaster Fashion Show on 21st and 22nd May which the Crown Hotel were delighted to support in their commitment as partner to the Doncaster College. The event was attended by buyers, stylists, Saville Row tailors, local and national press and designers including Simon Parchment, who has worked with Dizzee Rascal, Minni Driver and Kelly Rowland.

POP STARS MOVE INTO BAWTRY

Boyzone, who will perform at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday (6th June), became Bawtry residents during rehearsals for their eagerly-awaited 'Better' tour.

The Irish chart toppers, who kicked off their tour in Belfast last week, spent four nights at The Crown Hotel, Bawtry and even worked out at the Bawtry Health and Fitness Studio during their second stay in the town.

Head Chef Caroline Rhodes, who is pictured above cuddling up to Ronan Keating, said: "The boys were great. They remembered the staff from when they stayed with us last year and made a real fuss of our restaurant manager Amanda Pashley.

"They were happy to chat to residents after their long rehearsals and the female members at the local gym couldn't believe their eyes when they turned up to keep their lovely bodies in shape."

Boyzone, who arrived in Bawtry with a fleet of tour buses and took up more than 50 rooms at The Crown, were rehearsing at the same secret location near Doncaster they used in preparation for last year's re-union tour.

Fans who flock to Sheffield Arena will see the full original line-up of Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy. Formed in 1994, the Irish superstars racked up 16 consecutive top five hits including six number ones, and have sold over 15 million albums.

CROWN BOSS SLIMS FOR WORLD RECORD BID

Pictured above (from left to right): Mark Goodwin, Abbey Eyewear of Tickhill; Gill Starr; Simon Boguszewski, Vice Chairman of the Yorkshire Kidney Research Fund and Craig Dowie, Crown Hotel of Bawtry.

Crown Hotel boss Craig Dowie is pinching an inch to play a part in a world record attempt this summer.

Craig intends to slim down his expanding waistline by taking part in a 125-mile night cycle ride at Bawtry Health and Fitness Studio.

The 24-hour event on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th June is part of an Ultra Fitness World Record attempt to benefit the Bawtry hotel's adopted charity supportsimon.com, which aims to raise vital cash for the Yorkshire Kidney Research Fund.
"As I never have time to exercise properly, my 36-inch waist trousers have become very tight and I realise I need to do something about it," said Craig, whose hotel will raise funds for supportsimon.com throughout 2009 through a host of fundraising events. "This is a great opportunity to get involved in a record-breaking challenge, get fit and at the same time raise some money for a brilliant charity."

Craig, who will be joined and coached by Crown housekeeper and former Bawtry Health Club worker Gill Starr, is looking for sponsors to back him for every mile he pedals - or for every inch he loses off his waistline during the nine-hour marathon, and sponsorship forms for both Craig and Gill's challenge can be downloaded from the hotel's web site crownhotel-bawtry.com.

Supportsimon.com is a unique fundraising web site launched in 2007 by Simon Boguszewski and his daughter Jasmine, who at the age of nine recovered from a life-threatening kidney illness.

Since her recovery Simon, Jasmine and their family, of Bawtry, Doncaster have worked tirelessly to raise much-needed money for the Yorkshire Kidney Research Fund and aim to top their target of £6,000 by the end of the year.

Simon, together with fellow gym member Mark Goodwin, plans to work his way through a punishing 24-hour fitness schedule to set the new Ultra Fitness World Record - and the Crown's managing director Craig will be helping them on their way by pedalling back into a smaller suit.

Apart from the cycle ride, Simon and Mark will run a half-marathon carrying a 50lb rucksack, which they will also carry on a 10km speed walk. They will then x-train a full marathon, row a half-marathon, and complete a series of grueling work-outs including 1,000 press-ups , 1,250 bench step-ups and a lift of 250,000lbs (113 tonnes) of weight.

The big event will be followed by a Father's Day Sports Persons Dinner at The Crown Hotel on 21st June to raise more vital funds, and the charity is appealing to local businesses to provide auction prizes or to sponsor the world record attempt. Already supporting The Crown and Bawtry Health and Fitness Studio are Abbey Eyewear of Tickhill, Bawtry Mayflower School, Bawtry Church Hall and Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

FLYING FILLY PRODUCES ANOTHER BOLD SHOW

Sills Vincero, one of a team of racehorses sponsored by The Crown, produced another bold show at Wolverhampton on Monday (30th March) when she took on older horses for the first time in a competitive five-furlong handicap.
Despite being the only three-year-old in the line-up, the daughter of Piccolo led for much of the way, only to be worn down in the final 50 yards, finishing a creditable third in the hands of top jockey Paul Hanagan.
Stable companion Wibbadune, also owned by Simon Mapletoft Racing and trained by Derek Shaw at Newark, ran in the same race but was unable to get competitive from her wide draw, under a big weight. She will now switch to the turf in the hope of supplementing her three wins on quick ground last summer.
Meanwhile, ex-Irish sprinter Circle Dance, another Wolverhampton winner for Simon Mapletoft, is set to return in a five-furlong handicap at Nottingham in mid-April.

CROWN HOSTS WEDDING OF THE YEAR

The Crown Hotel at Bawtry provided the setting for the most unusual and talked about wedding of the year – but it was a race against the clock!

After beating thousands of hopefuls to win a dream wedding lucky listener Trina Middlebrook won Hallam FM's 'Get me to the church on time' contest for a £20,000 all-expenses-paid dream wedding to fiancé Shaun Hill.

On Friday 20th March the bride, Trina Middlebrook of Rossington, with the aid of Michelle from the Hallam FM breakfast show, trecked all the way from Gretna Green to the Crown Hotel and arrived at 2.25pm where the groom and all her friends and family were waiting. Arriving 25 minutes late meant that she had to walk down the isle to 90’s pop tune Mmm Bop by Hanson and all the Champagne was replaced by budget lager.

It was an amazingly exciting day for everyone but especially Trina who not only blagged a free lunch from a service station and free train tickets from York but also rode in huge monster truck and was delivered to the wedding on the back of a Harley Davidson along with a convoy of Harley Davidsons.

Craig Dowie, Director of The Crown Hotel, who helped to put the competition together, adds: “The build-up and the response to the day has been amazing. I can’t thank the Hallam FM team enough and all the companies that supported us on the day. I am sure we will be talking about this wedding for a long time to come.”

See Trina and Shaun's big day on www.hallamfm.co.uk

ANOTHER WIN FOR CROWN TEAM

Circle Dance, one of the racehorses sponsored by The Crown Hotel, has won at Wolverhampton.

The four-year-old supplemented the recent success of stable companion Sills Vincero when landing a five-furlong maiden on the Polytrack.

Trained by Derek Shaw at Newark, and owned by Simon Mapletoft Racing, Circle Dance will now be given a short break before resuming on turf in April.

Sills Vincero, meanwhile, is due to run again at Lingfield on Friday 20th March, while multiple sprint winner Wibbadune returns at the Surrey track on Wednesday 18th March.

She also holds an entry in the £40,000 added Listed sprint at the prestigious Winter derby meeting at Lingfield this weekend.

Hallam FM and Crown Hotel Bawtry win a wedding competition

The wedding is this Friday 20th March.

Listen out every morning to find out the what sneeky twists we have in store for the bride if she doesn't arrive on time!!!

So we know they're getting married this friday but who are Shaun & Trina?!!

The story so far

We've been together for 12 years and we have two great kids, Jack aged 9 and Luke aged 7. They're absolutely gorgeous. Obviously they take after their mother but Shaun, for some strange reason thinks that they take after him. We also have our family dog Obi (from star wars).

Four years ago now, we eventually got engaged. It was really romantic, down on one knee, the ring a total surprise and then went out for curry...told you it was romantic!!

So who is Shaun Hill ?!

Age: 37 (& a half)

Occupation: Site Manager/Joiner & Trinas labourer (slave)

Hobbies: Collecting tools never to be used, Music, Sci-fi models (saddo me)

Dislikes: Shopping, Pink stuff, Tuna pasta bakes, Own voice on radio, Trina on Lips xbox 360

Likes: Barbecues, Sky+, Adventures and days out, Cooking (usually for Trina), Gardening, Painting/drawing with kids, Not shopping. Oh nearly forgot....Beer and wine . . . Rum, Cider, Lager!!

So who is Trina Middlebrook ?!

Age: 32

Occupation: Payment Authorisation Co-ordinator & Shauns taxi service (and boss)

Hobbies: Shopping, Shopping, Music (not shauns crap)

Dislikes: Spiders, Anything else with more than four legs, Cooling towers - they freak me out, Gardening, Own voice on radio, Alton towers (large rides)

Likes: Reading, Bike riding with family, Swimming (every now and again), Eating out / Eating in (basically eating), Doing chores (not), Lips (great singer) xbox 360 (if you believe that), Oh shopping I forgot to mention that!

CROWN HORSE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Sills Vincero, one of a team of racehorses sponsored by The Crown Hotel at Bawtry, has been back in the winner's enclosure for the second time in four days.

The three-year-old filly, owned by Simon Mapletoft Racing, finished second to hot favourite Itshim in a sprint handicap at Wolverhampton on Friday 21st February.

Earlier in the week the Derek Shaw runner, ridden by top jockey Paul Hanagan, won another handicap at the West Midlands track, and is due to return there for a similar race on Saturday 7th March.

Meanwhile, Simon Mapletoft Racing's star sprinter Wibbadune is due to make her comeback following a winter break at Lingfield on Wednesday 4th March. She will be carrying the Crown logo in the feature five-furlong handicap at the All-Weather track.

DINOSAURS DESCEND ON THE DOME

Dinosaurs have descended on The Dome - and won't be leaving for a few weeks yet!
That's because the Doncaster venue is staging the BBC Walking With Prehistoric Life Exhibition, which runs until Sunday 15th March 2009.

The man responsible for bringing the exciting exhibition to the town is acclaimed naturalist Nigel Marven, who is well known for creating and presenting many wildlife television programmes including Incredible Journeys and Life Of Birds.

Nigel stayed at The Crown Hotel, Bawtry, before officially opening the Exhibition, and is pictured here with restaurant manager Amanda Pashley.

The event brings together for the first time all of the BBC's 'Walking With ...' exhibitions, taking visitors back to a time when dinosaurs, prehistoric beats and cavemen walked the earth. For more details check out www.the-dome.co.uk

CROWN IS FIRST PAST THE POST - AGAIN!

The Crown Hotel was first past the post once again on Monday (16th February) when racehorse Sills Vincero won the Betdaq Handicap at Wolverhampton.

One of a team of horses sponsored by The Crown, the three-year-old filly defied a wide draw and a difficult passage to take the five-furlong sprint in the hands of top northern jockey Paul Hanagan.

Sills Vincero, trained by Derek Shaw at Newark and owned by Simon Mapletoft Racing, may now re-appear in a similar race at Wolverhampton on Friday night.

Simon, whose colours carry the Crown Hotel logo, said: "It was a very impressive performance, as she was pushed wide around both bends but still got up to win well. She had run with promise at Kempton previously and can hopefully build on this."

The filly, by successful sprint sire Piccolo, is pictured with Crown Managing Director Craig Dowie at the stables.

The Times Top Ten for the Crown Hotel at Bawtry 'Britain's 10 most outrageous hotel rooms'

The Crown Hotel at Bawtry's executive suites have made a recent Times Top Ten - Britain's 10 most outrageous hotel rooms proving once again that this is a venue pushing the style boundaries.

Tom Chesshyre writes 'Room 501 is something else: vast, brightly purple, with an enormous bed and a giant picture of a human leg with a flower poking out between the toes.' The Crown Hotel rubs shoulders with the Pelirocco in Brighton, The Pavilion Hotel London W2 (where Naomi Campbell regularly stays) and the Malmaison Manchester in the list published online this week.
Known for a long list of famous guests who have passed through South Yorkshire, the hotel is located in the cosmopolitan town of Bawtry close to Doncaster, has fabulous links with the A1, M18 and M1 and Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport is just 3 miles away.

The amazing executive rooms are part of a suite of facilities which includes 76 bedrooms, meeting space for up to 200 delegates and a stunning restaurant which prides itself on local produce.

CROWN HORSES UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS

The team of racehorses sponsored by the Crown Hotel has made an encouraging start to the new year, with ex-Irish performer Circle Dance coming the closest to winning on the All-Weather.

Simon Mapletoft Racing's sprinter has been placed in all four starts so far, including when second in a five-furlong maiden at Great Leighs in January. He has since overcome bad draws to be third in similar races at Kempton and Wolverhampton.

Another four-year-old, Know No Fear, also shaped with promise on his debut for Simon Mapletoft Racing's trainer Derek Shaw, finishing a staying on fourth in a competitive handicap at Great Leighs, while three-year-old Sills Vincero was an unlucky fourth in a Kempton handicap after being badly impeded in the closing stages when mounting her challenge.

Meanwhile, sprinter Wibbadune, who won five races in 2008, is back in full work and is due to run again later this month on the All-Weather, before resuming on turf in the spring.
Watch out for further updates ...

YOU'RE ON A WINNER WITH THE CROWN

Bawtry's award-winning Crown Hotel is looking forward to being first past the post yet again after announcing a sponsorship deal with a prominent local racehorse owner.

This season The Crown's logo will be carried on the colours of Simon Mapletoft Racing, who have a string of horses in training with Derek Shaw at Newark in Nottinghamshire. Simon Mapletoft, also a presenter on At The Races on Sky Sports, is pictured with Crown Managing Director Craig Dowie, right, and the stable's apprentice jockey Lee Topliss, on board the promising three-year-old Sills Vincero. The Crown - the first choice hotel among racing professionals attending Doncaster Racecourse and the Bloodstock Sales - are also sponsoring six-times winner Wibbadune and exciting sprinters Know No Fear, a dual winner already, and ex-Irish speedball Circle Dance.

Announcing the deal, Craig said: "The Crown has become synonymous with horse racing and we are delighted to be associated with Simon Mapletoft, who is well known and highly respected for his work on television and for his success as a racehorse owner." Simon added: "The Crown Hotel has become the social hub among racing personalities during big race meetings such as the Lincoln Handicap and St Leger Festival and, through this sponsorship, will now enjoy profile on television and on the racecourse." Simon Mapletoft Racing have bought and raced nearly 40 winners, including Coconut Squeak, who landed the Listed Boadicea Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket in 2005. Other notable runners carrying the familiar orange and purple silks include dual York winner Treason Trial, sprinter Lady Protector and All-Weather specialists Tyzack and Mind Alert.

CROWN SCOOPS TWO AWARDS

The Crown Hotel at Bawtry has scooped two top business accolades.

Doncaster's leading hotel joined forces with Doncaster Racecourse and the town's Keepmoat Stadium to win the prestigious Performance Through Partnership Award at the annual Doncaster Chamber of Commerce Awards night at The Dome on Thursday, 11th December.

The award, sponsored by Doncaster College, recognised The Crown's ability to seek out and develop partnerships which in turn delivered added value to customers and other stakeholders.
And it was a double celebration after The Crown landed the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Doncaster Economy. Judges found the popular hotel to have the edge over their fellow nominees in attracting wealth to the borough and influencing the lives of Doncaster residents.

CROWN HAS THE X-FACTOR!

It's official ... The Crown Hotel has the X-Factor! Doncaster's favourite hotel has been hitting all the right notes with contestants from this year's popular television talent show. X-factor finalists who have been headlining at Doncaster's Karisma nightclub every Saturday have been staying at The Crown in Bawtry.

Stacey Charlesworth, Reservations Manager (left), and Restaurant Manager Amanda Pashley (right) are pictured with crooner Daniel. Spanish-born singer Ruth Lorenzo, who made it to the final five with her powerful rock ballads, has also been on the guestlist. Just goes to show, you never know who you might bump into at The Crown ...

CROWN HOSTS CHINESE TEACHERS

Chinese was on the menu at The Crown Hotel, Bawtry, on Thursday 22nd November, but it was food for thought that satisfied the hunger of a visiting delegation of business lecturers.
The party from China was in Doncaster to learn more about the function of the Doncaster Business School, which is based at the town's University Centre.

It was the first visit of its kind to be organised as a result of a newly formed partnership between Doncaster College and The Crown Hotel. Delegates were given a guided tour of The Crown before taking a Yorkshire tapas lunch. Earlier they visited Brodsworth Hall and Conisbrough Castle and rounded off their visit by shopping at some local stores in Bawtry.

Katey Dent, The Crown's Sales Manager is pictured, front row second left, with the visitors. She said: "The Crown is committed to partnering with local organisations and events such as this open up exciting opportunities for everyone involved."

MUD FLIES AT THE CROWN!

The mud was flying at the Crown Hotel, Bawtry - and boss Craig Dowie was on the receiving end!

Staff at the Bawtry hotel got the chance to sling the sludge at their Managing Director, but Craig took it on the chin - and just about everywhere else – for a worthy cause!

The Crown staff were raising much-needed funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which raises money to fight the degenerative condition that affects more than 7,500 babies, children and young adults every year.

“It was only a fiver for a bucketful of gunge, so my staff were queuing up" grinned a mud-spattered Craig. "They all took their revenge but raised over £100 for a tremendous charity, so it was worth the humiliation!"

A PERFECT MATCH

The Crown Hotel in Bawtry has again proved itself to be in a league of its own having teamed up with Doncaster Rovers Belles Ladies Football Club in a sponsorship deal with the club’s leading striker Liz Hansen.

Canadian born Liz who lives on Cortes Island which is close to Vancouver Island in British Columbia joined the Rovers Belles last summer from American W-League side Cocoa Expos and has now returned to Doncaster for a second season at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Liz was the fourth highest goal scorer in the FA Tesco Women’s Premier League last season, helping the Rovers Belles secure sixth position in the league.

Director of The Crown Hotel, Craig Dowie, says: “We are very pleased to sponsor Liz and to further strengthen our links with the Keepmoat Stadium. We heard that Liz was looking for a place to stay for the season and we are now providing her with accommodation for her stay. We wish the Rovers Belles all the best for the coming season.”

Doncaster Rovers Belles are one of the best known of all England's women’s football teams and have developed an identity distinctively their own.

The Crown Hotel also knows what it takes to stay ahead of the game. Thanks to a recent £4m investment, The Crown is one of the most stylish and contemporary hotels in the region, with its modern executive rooms, world class restaurant and vibrant atmosphere.

IN THE FRAME

The Crown Hotel in Bawtry has proved itself yet again to be fully in the ‘frame’ as a popular choice for celebrities as stars ‘cue’ up to stay there – the hotel most recently having played host to sporting legends Jimmy White and Alex Higgins.

The two internationally renowned snooker icons recently played at Doncaster’s Dome as part of their UK tour and chose to stay at The Crown along with their entourage!

Jimmy White has won 23 professional titles and has been runner up six times in the Snooker World Championships whilst Alex Higgins, described as snooker’s most outrageously talented player, won the World Professional Snooker Championship when he was 23.

Restaurant Manager at The Crown, Amanda Pashley, says: “It is fantastic to come face to face with some of the most famous sporting names of all time. Working at The Crown, you never quite know who you will bump into!”

In the same way that both Jimmy White and Alex Higgins know what it takes to stay ahead of the competition with professionalism, presentation and precision, The Crown Hotel also strives to top the score board in its own field.

Thanks to a recent £4 million investment, The Crown is one of the most stylish and contemporary hotels in the region, with its state of the art executive rooms, world class restaurant and vibrant atmosphere.

Other celebrities that have recently chosen to stay at The Crown include popular fashion stylist and TV personality, Gok Wan, and pop phenomenon Boyzone.
If you would like to make a reservation, request a brochure, or receive details of the hotel’s facilities call on 01302 710 341 or visit http://www.crownhotel-bawtry.com/.

BOYZONE LOVE THE CROWN HOTEL FOR A REASON

SUPERSTAR singers Boyzone holed up in a South Yorkshire hotel for secret rehearsals ahead of their reunion tour.

The band – famous for hits in the 1990s including Picture of You, Words and Father and Son – spent five nights at The Crown Hotel in Bawtry, Doncaster, while rehearsing in a secret location, thought to be a warehouse in the north of Doncaster near the A1.

Ronan, Stephen, Mikey, Shane and Keith arrived with a fleet of tour buses and took up around 55 rooms at the four star hotel in order to rehearse for their up and coming reunion tour which starts tomorrow.

Hotel staff had been told to keep the visit under wraps until the band had left the venue.
And with the band now out of town, hotel sales manager Katey Dent said: "It was fantastic having them to stay.

"They were all really lovely guys, and were happy to chat to staff and guests after their long rehearsals.

"We would love to have them back."

CELEBRITY STYLIST STAYS AT THE CROWN

The Crown Hotel in Bawtry played host to a very special guest recently in the form of popular fashion stylist & TV personality, Gok Wan.

The TV presenter, best known for his individual sense of style, choose to stay at The Crown whilst he was on location in Doncaster filming for an impending TV show.

Just as Gok is famous for improving people’s physical appearance and giving them a stylish new image, The Crown Hotel has also recently benefited from a £4 million makeover, giving it a chic and contemporary new look and transforming it into one of the most stylish and sophisticated hotels in the region.

Amanda Pashley, restaurant manager at The Crown had the pleasure of bumping into the star during his stay and said: “I was very excited to meet Gok, I’m a big fan. He was absolutely charming and very friendly, just as he appears to be on TV, and as you would expect he looked super stylish!”

If you would like to make a reservation, request a brochure, or for details of the hotel’s facilities call on: 01302 710 341 or visit the website http://www.crownhotel-bawtry.com/.

FANCY A NIBBLE AT THE CROWN?

If you fancy a nibble, then get yourself down to The Crown Hotel in Bawtry, where the introduction of complimentary bar nibbles is going down a treat!

The Crown has created its very own tasty bar nibbles in the form of spicy parsnip crisps, for guests to enjoy whilst having a relaxing drink in the informal atmosphere of the hotel’s bar.

The complimentary crisps have been created using locally sourced parsnips and will be served in a range of flavours, including: Cayenne, Cajun, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, and every evening a different flavour of the tasty morsels will be served up in generous helpings for guests to share.

Hotel Director, Craig Dowie said the moorish crisps were already proving extremely popular: “Many of the guests in the hotel bar are people who are enjoying a pre-dinner drink before moving through to the hotel restaurant or small groups of friends who are popping in to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the bar before heading off for a night out in town, so they are looking for something light to nibble on with their beer or glass of wine. “The parsnips crisps were the perfect solution, they’re light, tasty, healthy and very moorish, and they make a welcome change to the usual greasy crisps or a boring packet of peanuts! Not only that, parsnips are often featured on the menu at The Crown, so it’s a great way of using up what we have in stock, rather than wasting it.”

In addition to the bar nibbles, The Crown has a Tapas menu to compliment the extensive menu already available in the hotel’s restaurant, which is available in the bar between 10am-6pm Monday to Friday.
For details, call The Crown Hotel on 01302 710341 or check out the website http://www.crownhotel-bawtry.com/.

AWARD WINNING YORKSHIRE BEEF AT THE CROWN

if you want to sample the very best local produce then be sure to visit The Crown Hotel in Bawtry, where the award winning beef is scoring top marks with customers.

Local farmer, Gerard Farmer of Croft Bank Farm in Westwoodside is the latest supplier to have been contracted to supply prime cuts of beef to the four star hotel on Bawtry Rd.

Gerard comes from a generation of Arable farmers and began rearing his award-winning breed of Red Poll cows about 5 years ago. The Red Poll cows are a native breed and are known as ‘dual purpose’, which means that as well as producing brilliant beef, they also produce excellent milk.

Head chef, Caroline Rhodes said: “I am a big believer in knowing where our food comes from, and that’s why always try to use fresh local produce whenever possible. When Gerard approached us to supply his beef, we were more than happy to give it a try in the form of 10-12oz fillet, sirloin, rump and rib eye steaks.

“The response from our customers was excellent, the quality of the beef really shone through in terms of texture and taste, and I had absolutely no hesitation in signing up for more of the succulent steaks, which are now regular feature on our menu.”

Gerard said: “I have been aware of The Crown’s excellent reputation for quite some time, and I am naturally delighted to be associated with such a quality establishment.
“Before selecting a hotel to supply, I did a lot of research into hotels in the area, and The Crown was a clear winner, as I believe it is trying to achieve what I want to achieve in terms of quality, presentation and price. “

Proud to be part of the DeliciouslyYorskhire brand the Crown Hotel in Bawtry promotes and recognises the distinct and diverse variety of Yorkshire Produce.
The Crown's Restaurant is open on Sunday to Friday, 6.00pm -10.00pm, Saturday 6.00pm-10.30pm and for lunch Monday to Friday, 12.00am -2.00pm.For details or to book a table call The Crown Hotel on 01302 710341 or check out the website www.crownhotel-bawtry.com.