Catering firm’s latest venture to do justice to historic prison
AHISTORIC Cotswold prison which closed over a year ago is set to reopen. The Old Prison, formerly known as Northleach House of Correction, is relaunching as a cafe – and some of the buildings still have cells with barred windows.
Since the prison closed down, its owners, Friends of the Cotswolds, have been looking for a new operator – and they found award-winning catering company Relish.
This is not the first transformation that Relish has been responsible for. Other venues across the region that the company has worked on include Arkells Brewery, the Cotswolds Distillery, the Corinium Museum in Cirencester and The Royal Agriculture University. At this year’s Glastonbury Festival Relish also ran a 200-cover restaurant alongside Jasmine Hemsley.
Relish and The Old Prison director Philippa Sawyer said: “It is a really exciting project and an incredible space that can be used for private parties, including weddings, but is also ideal for coach tours and large groups.
“The cells and court room will remain open so people can take a look at the building’s past.”
The building is due to reopen in early October.
And although some areas of the prison will remain the same –including a “distinctive court room with fitted dock and bench” – other parts are set to be completely changed.
The glass roof cafe area will now be transformed into a “luscious green dining area, decorated with plants and shrubbery”.
The space will be filled with sofas and dining furniture to give it a “comfy and cosy” feel and will look out onto the grassy courtyard and stables where the Lloyd Baker Rural Life collection of agricultural equipment is on display.
Director and chef Rob Goves said: “We work with some awesome local suppliers whose incredible seasonal produce will do this stunning venue justice, no pun intended.”
He went on to say: “We are already planning the menu and will have dishes like homemade Cotswold honey granola, local fruit, Cotteswold Dairy yoghurt, Wiltshire ham and Hereford Hop sourdough toasties, and special ‘Prison Meals,’ which will change regularly with the seasons.”
It is a really exciting project and an incredible space that can be used for private parties, including weddings, but is also ideal for coach tours and large groups. Philippa Sawyer