About The Chantry Hotel
The Chantry is a stunning, characterful hotel situated in the heart of Dronfield, Derbyshire.
Described by many as 'a hidden gem', we offer a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy company surrounded by walls full of history and memories of showbiz.
Below you can find out more information about The Chantry - from past to present.
History of The Chantry Building
The main part of the building dates back to the 12th century. What is now The Chantry Hotel, and the Green Dragon pub (next door) were unified and used as the refectory for the Chantry monks, who came to visit St. Johns church across the road. It is rumoured underground tunnels still exist, leading from the Chantry cellars across to the Church. Over the years, The Chantry building has had some various uses, including a family home and a doctor’s surgery.
The people who made The Chantry
In 1967, The Chantry was bought by three gentlemen. Two of which were a song and dance double act known as The Toaduff’s, accompanied by their business manager Mr Colin Edwardes. The trio had decided to purchase the hotel and retire from show business, after having a fantastic career traveling all over the world.
On their first week of retirement (having undertaken the task of hotel renovation) The Toaduff’s were asked to perform a two-week set of entertainment shows on the QE2. With hesitation, they took on the job – and their shows were so well received they were asked to stay. What intended to be a two-week job ended up lasting twenty years!
During their years on cruise ships, The Chantry Hotel was left in the capable hands of manager Mr Stuart Hammond. Mr Hammond had long been working with, and was a close friend of the Toaduff’s prior to opening the hotel. Unfortunately, Mr Colin Edwardes passed away in the 2000s, but Roy, Jackie, and Stuart continued to reminisce their showbiz days alongside being the heart of The Chantry Hotel.
The Hotel has won several awards over the years for its unique charm and beautiful gardens, which were tended lovingly to by Roy in his retirement. In 2017, Roy Toaduff passed away, and his death was followed shortly by Mr. Hammond, who acted as the hotel manager until his death on 1st March 2018 aged 76.
This left a devastated Jackie, who at this time had been part of a double act with Roy for over sixty years. Jackie made the decision to partially retire, and longstanding friend of The Toaduffs stepped in to manage The Chantry. Michael decided to return to his catering and hospitality routes after retiring from working in social care.
Current Times
Currently, The Chantry hotel rooms have just undergone a complete refurbishment, and at present the hotel is open for food and drink, day times only other than for private functions, but watch this space as we continue to grow in the near future we will be opening in the evenings also. Our hours are Tuesday 09:00 to 16:00 Wednesday to Thursday 09:00 to 16:00, Friday 9:00 to 16:00 , Saturday 09:00 to 16:00 , Sunday 12:30 to 16:00 ( Sunday lunch only) serving breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon teas. The hotel is accompanied with 2 holiday let cottages – The Gatehouse and The Garden House, which remain popular among visitors from all over the UK and abroad. As residents we welcome you over to The Chantry during our opening hours and are happy to answer any questions you have.
Jackie Toaduff - Coaldust to Stardust
Coaldust to Stardust is the autobiography of Jackie Toaduff, who was the owner of the Chantry hotel, who passed away in March of 2023 and partner of Michael Elrick the current owner of the hotel. This detailed the story of a boy coalminer who went 'from black and white into glorious technicolour" and became a dancing sensation - he was the real-life Billy Elliot.
Jackie's humble beginnings in the pits of Durham begin the remarkable tale of his life, spanning from showbiz events to private memoirs. It is an intriguing read that will captivate all ages - and includes a photograph section of pictures that were hand-picked by Jackie himself from his achieves. Celebrities, dancers, actors and actresses, princesses, sultans, and even kings all feature alongside the man Jackie himself.
Jackie's book is currently sold out, but can be found second-hand on online shopping sites, such as Amazon and Ebay. The book is also available as a digital download on Kindle.
To read more about Jackie's book, please see under the 'more' tab for synopsis and reviews.