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Go Off-Piste At Alexander's This Winter
Richard Trinder, Editor
Inside the 'Alpine Hut' with Alexander's Off-Piste experience
With menu names such as Blue Run and Black Run, and an outdoor eating area themed on an Alpine Ski Chalet, Alexander's in Skipton has again created a dining experience with a difference. They have a burgeoning reputation for doing something different, and this year's winter 'experience', called Off Piste, is a corker!

It could so easily have been cheesy; a passing reference to a mountain hut, a sprinkle of artificial snow and a faded photo of the Matterhorn on the wall. But, true to form, Alexander's has extended their reputation for creativity with this year's Après Ski chalet, suitably bedecked in faux fur throws and twinkling ambient lighting.

Sitting inside the ''chalet', with its printed wood-log effect walls and heaters galore, is a remarkably cosy feeling - hygge is the recently imported Scandinavian word we use these days.

The evening I visited the weather was frankly disgusting; rain, fog, wind and freezing temperatures, but even all four combined couldn't dampen the lovely atmosphere inside, and it is easy to forget that this all happens just 20 metres from the Liverpool Leeds canal and not half way up a mountain in Austria.

Seating a maximum of 30 people, and being very informal in layout and style, this is clearly a great place for group outings; parties of 8-10 around each of the 3 sitting areas would be ideal.

And just in case you were interested in eating (as well as having the fun experience), there's plenty to choose from: Mulled cider, Mulled Wine, Roast Chestnuts & Winter Soup; A delightful throwback to the 1960's - a delicious cheese fondue; Beer cooked Frankfurter sausages; Pulled Pork & Flat Breads; and a comprehensively covered Smorgasbord of Cured Fish.

If you have space after that, try the Chocolate Fondue with Marshmallow, Fresh Fruit & Honeycomb. It is lovely!

I had forgotten how good a cheese fondue can be...
Catherine White, general manager of Alexander’s said, “Off Piste was a tremendous success last year, attracting everyone from families to festive parties, who all fell in love with its stunning aesthetic and alternative winter menu. The pop-up chalet feels decadent and relaxing. People just loved its uniqueness and the private exclusivity of it all.”

To tie in with the Alpine décor, executive head chef, Struan Macintyre has crafted a series of European Après Ski style sharing menus from a children’s Little Reindeer Menu for just £10pp, to his ultimate ‘Black Run’ menu, which is effectively a full festive feast comprising the best artisan charcuterie, homemade pickles and locally sourced fish, meats and cheeses.”

Available from November 19 to January, there are just a few short weeks to enjoy this rather splendid sensory and culinary experience.

I must admit I rather enjoyed it!


Also by Richard Trinder...
The Rite Of Spring And Gianni Schicci. Held Together By Voodoo
Katya Kabanova. Passion, Tragedy & Madness
Opera North's Magic Flute
Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War
The Nutcracker: Well Sparkly!

Visit alexanders-skipton.com for further details and booking information.

Go Off-Piste At Alexander's This Winter, 22nd November 2018, 22:23 PM