Cranstons celebrated the relaunch of its Cumbrian Food Hall in Penrith this week following the completion of an ambitious refurbishment project.
Farmers, suppliers, customers and friends of the business joined the Cranstons team to toast the future of the food hall which show cases the companies renowned butchery and delicatessen ranges along with produce from over 100 Cumbrian producers.
Guests enjoyed a tour of the new look food hall a glass of English sparkling wine and delicious Cumbrian canapes created and served by the Café Oswald’s team.
Philip Cranston, Chairman, thanked all those in attendance for contributing to the continuing success of the food hall, emphasising that Cranstons latest investment in the site was possible due to the amazing strength and depth of Cumbria’s farming and artisan food sectors.
Mr Cranston said: “We are really pleased to gather everyone here today to celebrate the complete refurbishment of the Cumbrian food hall. In the 20 years since we first opened the doors Cumbria’s food scene has gone from strength to strength.
“We are hugely proud of the work we do here serving the best of our region’s produce to locals and visitors. We hope customers will love the fresh new shopping experience we have created and the bespoke local food and drinks ranges we have on show.”
Cranstons worked with a shop fitting company which specialises in transforming independent food shops to create a bespoke and stylish new home for their own butchery and deli ranges and all the complementary Cumbrian food and drink ranges they champion.
The refit design complements Café Oswald’s the food hall’s 90-seater eatery which was renovated during the 2021 lockdown.
During the major refurbishment project Cranstons added solar panels to the roof and upgraded fridges, freezers, and lighting to more environmentally friendly energy efficient models.
The layout of the food hall has been completely updated with the entrance and exit switching to create a better flow for customers.
A new takeaway food area has been created with a bigger hot food counter and a new salad bar, customers can squeeze their own orange juice and grab a coffee. The new layout means Cranstons can stock more Cumbrian products than ever.
Martin Jones, Cranstons managing director added: “We stayed open throughout the renovation work with five different hoarding line changes over six weeks, creating some logistical headaches for our team.
“I am hugely grateful to each of them for their hard work and enthusiasm. It is great to celebrate the project’s completion together today along with our farmers and suppliers, there are so many people who work hard day in day out to make the Cumbrian Food Hall a special place to shop.”
“I particularly wish to thank all our customers for their patience throughout the disruption. As a token of our appreciation, we are hosting a Cumbrian food festival for all our customers.
“Anyone visiting the food hall between 10.30am and 2.30pm this Friday. October 27 and Saturday, October 28, will be offered a glass of fizz, a slice of our giant sausage rolls and a piece of our opening cake.
“Several of our talented Cumbrian suppliers are coming along to offer customers free recipe inspiration and their will be lots of delicious food and drink to try.”
Jonathan Robb from Hawkshead Relish attended the celebration.
He said: “It has been wonderful to come along and have a look at the Cumbrian Food Hall. We have supplied the food hall since its original launch 20 years ago and both our companies have grown together throughout the years.
“I really love the transformation; it has always been a special place to shop and dine with great produce and lovely friendly team but it has just got even better!’’
Mark Dodgson supplies the company with fresh beef and lamb from his farm at Kendal.
He said: “It is exciting for us to come here today and see the way Cranstons are investing in the future of Cumbrian food and farming. Skilful craft butchery still lies at the heart of Cranstons success and its wonderful to see the butchery and delicatessen counters brimming with superb quality meat, cheese, and pies.”
