A former Michelin-starred chef has opened a new coffee house in a historic Northumberland building.
The Northumberland National Park visitor centre, based in Church House in Rothbury, is already home to the Northumberland National Park Authority, Forestry England and Northumbria Police.
Now the organisations have welcomed the arrival of Bewick’s Kitchen & Coffee House, based on the ground floor.
The new venture within the 140-year-old building has been opened by local businessman and former Michelin Star chef, Kevin Mulraney.
Work in the building to create the venue has been low impact, taking inspiration from the building’s original creator William Bewick, using reclaimed panelling from the original building.
Mr Mulraney, from Guisborough, North Yorkshire, worked in London for more than 20 years before returning closer to home, working in a number of locations around the region including Tynemouth’s Grand Hotel.
He was classically French-trained at London’s Naval and Military Club in Piccadilly where he joined the team at the age of just 16. By the age of 22 he was a sous chef and at 32 he was running the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Lindsay House in London.
He originally planned to open in April, but was delayed due to the impact of Covid-19, with the coffee house taking the time to put in the necessary measures to help staff and customers adhere to the necessary hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
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The coffee house is now open seven days a week, serving a menu from locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
Mr Mulraney said: “After a longer wait than expected, I’m glad that the coffee house can now open and customers can experience our menu of delicious, locally sourced food in a safe environment.
“I never imagined that I’d host diners in such a unique and historic location, I’m grateful to Northumberland County Council and Northumberland National Park Authority in helping to make Bewick’s Kitchen & Coffee House a reality.”
Tony Gates, chief executive of the Northumberland National Park Authority said: “The Northumberland National Park Authority is passionate about local businesses and showcasing of the great local produce we have here in Northumberland and it’s great to see the coffee house in Church House opening its doors to the public.
“Rothbury has enjoyed a resurgence of visitors over the last few years, being one of the most scenic and accessible parts of the park and developments like this will continue to help bolster what the area has to offer to locals and visitors alike. I wish Kevin and his team every success.”