Visitors to Appleby’s Tufton Arms can now raise a glass of red (or white, or rosé) to the hotel’s new wine bar.
In the heart of the town centre, on the market place, the traditional bar at the family-run Tufton has been transformed.
Nigel Milsom, hotel manager, said: “Our aim is to provide a quiet, refined place to enjoy quality wines.
“With 20 carefully chosen wines to order by the glass, backed up by our shop and wine list by the bottle, and an all new tapas style menu to select from, we are offering something a little different for our customers.
“We have also introduced a cocktail menu and background music to further enhance the mood of our new wine bar.
“The first night was very popular with local people and guests and the wine bar is proving to be a great success.”
The latest development follows the successful creation of the Tufton Arms Mews Café and Deli shop at the traditional hotel. With an outside seating area as well as a conservatory restaurant, the Tufton has gained a reputation for offering customers a wide selection of quality wines.
Fish, smoked in the hotel’s own kitchen by chef David, is also available from the deli, which is becoming renowned for quality produce and gifts.
The wines chosen by Nigel are not easily found elsewhere. Nigel said: “The Mews Café and Deli helped keep the hotel afloat during lockdown, and has proved to be a very popular and successful addition to the Tufton Arms.
“The Tufton is becoming a destination spot which customers enjoy exploring for quality deli and wine as well as our gift selection.
“It is a perfect place to do a bit of shopping alongside taking a coffee and cake break – or even a glass of wine and nibbles during the day – and now we have added to that to provide a unique place for an evening out.
“Our tapas menu is now in full swing with an array of delightful snacks to accompany a tasty beverage, from nibbles, olives, breads to stews and even sharing boards. We are looking to provide something a little different for people in Appleby to enjoy.”