SHOPPERS have given a resounding thumbs-up to Cranstons’ latest food hall in Brampton.

More than 50 people were queuing outside when the doors opened at 10am yesterday, M ON eager to see the 2,000sq ft premises in the former HSBC bank in Front Street.

The shop replaces a smaller Cranstons’ butcher’s across the road, creating four jobs, and offers a wider range of produce mostly from local suppliers such as Claire’s Handmade, Cumberland Mustard, Appleby Creamery, Eden Brewery and fresh bread daily from Gretna Bakery.

The first shoppers were offered a glass of fizz, canapés and a slice of celebration cake baked by Bryson’s of Keswick.

Heidi Wright, 35, of Newtown, Irthington, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. The produce range is very varied. I was a regular at the old shop but that was tiny in comparison.

“They’ve got it spot on. I’m sure it will be a tremendous success.”

Lisa Turner, 45, of Brampton, added: “It’s so much better and I think it will do well. The extended opening hours are good too because it’s sometimes difficult to get in during working hours.”

The shop is open 7.30am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. It also features a hot takeaway counter and a pick-and-mix salad bar. 

Anne Pickles, a News & Star columnist and former associate editor, cut a string of sausages to declare the venture open.

She has been a Cranstons’ fan since moving to Brampton from West Yorkshire 10 years ago. She said: “I had been house hunting and popped in to Cranstons to buy some Cumberland sausage to take back to Yorkshire.

“The staff were friendly, warm and welcoming, and wanted to know who I was and what I was doing.

“That’s why I moved to Brampton and I have shopped at Cranstons ever since. I like the fact that it’s all high-quality, locally-sourced produce.”

Brampton is Cranstons’ third food hall.

Managing Philip Cranston wants to open more food halls, although he believes there is still a place for the conventional butcher’s shop.

He said: “They complement each other. We will look at opening new food halls as and when the right site becomes available. It could happen in a year, it could be five years.”