DALES folk are renowned for enjoying a grand Sunday lunch with all the trimmings.

And the proprietor of a newly renovated venue in one of the area's oldest and most famous historic buildings is hoping that Yorkshire food-lovers will be flocking to try a Sunday roast in its history-soaked surroundings.

The Priests House and the Old Chapel at the Bolton Abbey estate's Barden Tower has been renovated and re-opened as an events venue - and is building on a tradition of fine dining in the locale with a brand new menu.

Barden Chapel opens its doors as a function suite tomorrow, providing what proprietor Debbie Leathley says is unique experience for diners - and for wedding parties. And the renovated chapel can be viewed at open days on Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 3pm on both days.

She said: "Barden Tower is of great historical importance, so we are very proud of the sensitive way in which it has been restored. The integrity of this beautiful 16th century building has been retained.

"Both the house and the old chapel are steeped in history and charm, retaining most original features such as real log fires, dark oak beamed ceilings and paned windows. As soon as you set foot inside you know this is a place with a special ambience."

The main focus of the business is as an events venue, especially for weddings, says Debbie. But the aim is also to provide speciality Sunday lunches, with occasional evening dining allied to particular functions and wine-tasting events.

The Sunday menu will feature roast beef and pork, naturally enough, with Yorkshire pudding and vegetables.

But for diners wanting something a little different, the menu will also feature ham hock terrine, with mixed pickles, plum sauce, toasted ciabatta; salmon steak; chicken supreme and smoked haddock. Vegetarians are catered for by baked Camembert, with garlic and rosemary, red onion and basil chutney, with crusty bread.

Featured on the evening menu, when applicable, will be a selection of starters including leek and potato, confit of duck leg, goats cheese with red onion jam or a smoked salmon, prawn and citrus cream cheese parcel. Mains will include chicken supreme, seas bass fillet, rack of Nidderdale lamb, or, for vegetarians, apple and Roquefort tart.

Desserts feature creme brulee, chocolate and orange torte, vanilla cheesecake or a selection of local cheeses with biscuits.

Says Debbie: "Renovation work started in November of last year and a lot of hard work has gone into making a top class function venue, and that's where main focus lies. But I believe we are also providing an excellent menu at very reasonable prices which will give diners an opportunity to eat well in the loveliest of surroundings."

There are also plans for afternoon tea dances, jazz nights, classical evenings and local wine and cheese tasting events.

The Barden Tower cluster of buildings goes back in parts to the 15th century when it was constructed as a hunting lodge. The chapel itself was originally built by Henry Clifford, the 10th Lord of Skipton, at the turn of the 16th century.