Two major exhibitions are planned by Ian for 2012.

The first is ‘Yorkshire’ and we will be previewing a work which has been two years in the making. This has been created by Ian in his own unique style and if advance limited edition print orders are anything to go by, the painting is going to be a huge success. Ian’s style of abstract expressionism embraces just about every main landmark and culture associated with Yorkshire. We have asked Ian to reserve the print run between 50 and 100 out of 1950 for the benefit of our customers who will be given a privileged opportunity to purchase the low numbered items at a special price. The exhibition will also feature some of his new work and support material for the main painting where it’s background and construction will be displayed.

The other exhibition is ’The Glasgow Boys’

As you may have seen from Ian’s web site, he has been creating a unique collection of interpretive paintings designed to display a work from each of the 23 artists associated with the Glasgow School which flourished around the turn of the century. The full exhibition will be eventually displayed in Scotland towards the end of the year but we will be previewing many of the paintings ahead of this time. There is a remarkable contrast in the styles of the different artists involved and many of the works have already been sold through the internet or to Ian’s existing clients. They will, however, be available for exhibition loan back purposes and we are indeed fortunate to have these on view for our customers.

We hope both exhibitions will add greatly to the atmosphere of the dining experience in our Bronte restaurant.

Prime Minister David Cameron elected to dine at the Ring O’Bells, Thornton, while
visiting Bradford in March.

“We had no idea the PM would be joining us for lunch. Because of security, we were
only told 10 minutes before he arrived,” said Ann Preston, proprietor of the awardwinning
country pub and restaurant.

Mr Cameron, in the city to support Tory by-election candidate Jackie Whiteley, plumped
for a main course a la carte signature dish – herb-crusted supreme of Scottish salmon
with roast garlic mash, sautéed spinach and citrus sauce.

Ann explained: “We learned the Prime Minister had been recommended to dine with us
because of our reputation and that his staff had viewed our website and asked which dish
he would he would like to have.

“His comment afterwards was how much he had enjoyed his lunch. He complemented us
on serving only the best local fresh produce – in fact, Mr Cameron was most interested to
learn how we sourced and supported local suppliers.

“I told him we were celebrating our 20th year in business and gave him one of our
anniversary booklets. He said he would show it to his wife Samantha that evening!

“We also had our photographs taken with the PM outside and he commented on the
wonderful Yorkshire views. We, of course, told him he was in ‘God’s own country,’ an
expression he had not heard before – and laughed.

“We were all thrilled and honoured for the Prime Minster to be recommended to dine with
us. After 20 years in the business, it was both gratifying and exciting. He said he was
delighted to see us so busy, complimented us on our success and achievements, and
wished us every future success.”

Prime Minister David Cameron is pictured at the Ring O’Bells with restaurant manager
Pauline Noble, left, and proprietors Ann and Clive Preston.

When the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram, learned that the Ring O’Bells in Thornton was to stage an Indian gourmet food evening, she marked it down as a ‘must attend’ in her busy civic diary.

Coun Ikram and her husband and consort, Saqib Salam Shah, were guests of honour at the event, the latest in a series of themed evenings featuring food from around the world at the award-winning country pub and restaurant.

“It was a fun, fab night, which was thoroughly enjoyed by customers and staff, many of whom wore Indian dress to enhance the atmosphere and sense of occasion,” said proprietor Ann Preston.

The extensive menu, complemented by wines and Indian beers, was devised by head chef Ian Booth, assisted by an expert on Indian food, the Ring O’Bells’ Goanese senior chef de partie John Fernandes.

The Lord Mayor said: “We were impressed by the menu and the quality of food. The Ring O’Bells has a wonderful reputation for food and Ann and Clive are superb hosts – an eclectic mix.”

Further flavours of Asia will be served up at the Ring O’Bells next themed food event, an Oriental evening, featuring authentic dishes from China, Thailand and Malaysia, on Monday, April 16.

September 22nd 2011 saw us reach our milestone 20 Anniversary year!

Looking back over the past two decades, owners Ann and Clive Preston commented “Our credibility has been built on our ability and reputation to provide hospitality of the highest possible standards at our multi award winning country pub and restaurant, including the best quality locally produced food. Lovingly cooked and served by our team of professionals.”

“The business is all about our wonderful customers and words can’t really describe how grateful we are for their support over the years.  We take real pride in recognizing and welcoming them –many have become part of the Ring O Bells family”

To read more about this special occasion CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW RING O’ BELLS CHIME REVIEW – full of interesting facts and information about the business and their wonderful team!

In celebration of 20 years Ian Middleton will be displaying his latest exhibition of 20 new paintings, his own interpretations of work by original artists reflecting the 20th century and depicting 20 glorious years at the Ring O’Bells.

The Artist

Ian is a well established Yorkshire artist working from his studio near Ilkley.  He paints mainly in oils on canvass and has, over the years, produced work in virtually every style from realism to abstract.  He has completed hundred of paintings embracing both original and highly accurate reproduction work.

Most of his completed work can be found in private collections throughout the UK and Europe and he has received critical acclaim in the press particularly for his more recent emerging style.

To view his latest paintings at our Bronte Restaurant click here.  Some of Ian’s other work and that which is currently available for sale can be found in various galleries in the website:  www.somervillearts.com.

In celebration of  “20 Glorious Years”  at the Ring O’Bells Ann, Clive and Staff have put together  an informative  Review Booklet giving customers old and new an interesting insight into the working and behind the scenes of the business.  As well as some interesting facts and historical information about the history and origin of the Ring O Bells building itself!

Click here to read and download for yourself The Chimes Review

Early Evening Serving Time – due to popular demand, we have extended our early evening serving time. We now serve from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm – Monday to Friday only.

To view our comprehensive selection of Gourmet Food & Wine Evenings watch this space and don’t forget to sign up to our Events Programme for more information.

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