PH Hotels offer an innovative alternative to conference dining

Farmers markets bring food fun to meetings and conferences.

Two PH Hotels are now offering an unusual food concept to meetings and event organisers which is designed to give conferences the ‘wow’ factor.

The North West Farmers Market concept is a fun alternative to traditional conference lunches as delegates can wander round food stalls and interact with market traders whilst learning about some of the popular dishes native to the surrounding area. Guests can meet staff characters such as the cockle and whelk picker complete with fishing galoshes and shrimp net or the friendly farmer with his flat cap and tweed jacket.

Initially launched at Cranage Hall in Cheshire in 2013, by the general manager Mr Richard Morrell and operations manager Matt Brierley, the concept was recently introduced at The Palace Hotel in Manchester due to excellent feedback from both organisers and delegates.

Organisers have a choice of stalls to choose from including Lancashire hotpot, Southport pancake house, fish and chip van – complete with traditional chippie owner to serve, ice cream parlour, fresh juice stalls, Cheshire gin fizzes, a beer festival and even a farmer who offers a traditional hog roast. There are also local cuisine options such as traditional Cheshire stew with oatcakes which is offered at both hotels and special dessert option of Lancashire Eccles cakes at The Palace Hotel.

The pop-up food fiesta is hosted in a private area within each property and a dedicated adviser on the PH Hotels meetings and events team will be able to guide organisers through additional extras such as canapés like hearty pork pies or extravagant oysters – complete with their own Oyster Bar and shucking master.

The North West Farmers Market offers an informal dining experience for a minimum of 50 delegates and price start from just £39pp for all inclusive packages.

Cranage Hall in Cheshire has 151 bedrooms and 28 flexible meetings and conference rooms which can accommodate up to 600 delegates, as well as parking for up to 400 vehicles. Meanwhile, The Palace Hotel, conveniently located in Manchester city centre, has 275 bedrooms and 19 meeting and conference rooms and can accommodate over 2000 delegates. Both properties offer complimentary WiFi and are located within easy reach of Manchester Airport.

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