Inside revamped Herefordshire café with local food and drink

Grange Court in Leominster has re-opened its café after a period of refurbishment, and says the first week had been really good.

The court, located in the centre of the town, was built in 1633 and was formerly a market hall. Today, it is a community, heritage and enterprise hub.

The court’s café had closed after the previous occupier moved to a different location. After this, the court decided to start running the café itself.

The new-look café opened its doors to customers on Monday. It is open to the public between 10am and 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Carl Beebee, café manager, said: "It's been a really good opening week. It couldn't have gone any better.

“It seems to be really busy in the mornings. At 11am, all the tables were full.”

The café is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday

Much of the food and drink sold at Grange Court is locally-sourced.

Ice creams, bottled ales and perries all made in Herefordshire. While the cakes are made at the court itself.

Teapots and crockery have also been purchased from local shops. The new furniture is also second-hand and bought locally.

The furniture is second-hand and locally sourced

Jacky Herschy, chair of the LARC development trust, who run the court, said they wanted to refurbish the space in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. She described the café’s new look as “shabby chic”.

"We felt it was important to maintain a low carbon footprint while carrying out refurbishments. It also helps support local businesses,” she said.

The cafe is attached to the 17th century court

She said that the café was an important place for the town.

“The purpose of restoring it was for the people of Leominster. It’s important to have this as a hub and community meeting place.”