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.