Cranstons has celebrated the relaunch of their revamped Cumbrian Food Hall in Penrith.

An extensive refurbishment project was undertaken, incorporating both Cranstons' highly-commended butchery and deli ranges, as well as items from over 100 Cumbrian suppliers.

The food hall welcomed many patrons, including farmers, suppliers, friends and their avid customers, all of whom joined the celebration, toasting to the future success of the site.

On their arrival at the event, guests were treated to a tour of the food hall, a glass of English sparkling wine, and Cumbrian canapés prepared and served by the Café Oswald’s team.

Philip Cranston, Chairman, took this opportunity to express his gratitude to all attendees for their contribution to the food hall’s on-going success.

He said: "In the twenty 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."

The overhaul compliments Café Oswald’s, the food hall’s 90-seat eatery, renovated during 2021.

The refurbishment also took into account environmental considerations, with solar panels added to the roof and more energy-efficient models of fridges, freezers, and lighting systems installed.

The entire layout of the food hall was redesigned with customers in mind.

This included the introduction of a new takeaway food area with an expanded hot food counter and a salad bar.

The Managing Director, Martin Jones, acknowledged the team's effort in keeping the doors open amid the renovation work.

He said: "I am hugely grateful to each of them for their hard work and enthusiasm.

"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 (27th) and Saturday (28th) 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: "We have supplied the food hall since its original launch twenty years ago and both our companies have grown together throughout the years. I really love the transformation."

Mark Dodgson, who supplies the company with fresh beef and lamb from his farm at Kendal, said: "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."

Cranstons looks forward to welcoming both familiar and new customers in the run-up to Christmas.