Tullie House have announced that they have appointed John Watt to run the catering operation in Tullie House, including the café and the events and functions.
The new partnership aims to deliver exciting food and drink offerings to the visitors of the museum, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce, all sourced from a local supply chain.
John Watt was established in 1865, opening a shop of Glovers Row in Carlisle City Centre where they roasted coffee and blended tea. With Tullie House having recently celebrated their 125 birthday, it feels fitting that two of Carlisle’s oldest businesses have come together to form this new and exciting partnership. John Watt was bought by Origins Caterer in 2015, and two of their Directors, Peter and Carol Johnston will be regularly on site, supporting the hard-working catering team at Tullie House.
John Watt Director Peter Johnston said “We are passionate about showcasing the incredible local produce we have is this area of the county. We want to give opportunities to local suppliers to showcase their produce to not only the local community but also to visitors from further afield and Tullie House is the ideal venue for this. As well as the regular café menu, there will be daily specials and every Saturday in November we have arranged tasting sessions with different local producers.”
Katie Proud, Head of Finance & Resources at Tullie House said: “We are pleased to be partnering with John Watt. Peter and Carol are enthusiastic about the opportunities that are available here at Tullie House. We share their passion for quality, sustainability, good value and innovation, supporting local suppliers. This is a highly valued partnership that will contribute to the ongoing success of Tullie House.”
Takeaway options are now available at the café in Vegware containers, which are fully compostable and therefore help to lessen the environmental impact of the café. A new self-serve salad bar, daily hotplate options (including Cranston’s Cumberland Sausage and roasts) and a variety of breads (from McCall’s bakery), fillings, homemade cakes, scones (served with Claire’s Handmade jams) and tray bakes provide choice for everyone.
All specialist or restricted diets are catered for and the beverage selection includes John Watt roasted coffee, loose teas, locally pressed apple juice and Molly Rose Drinks’ lemonade.
Tullie House report that following the recent refurbishment of the café in June, the children’s corner has been very well received and a new children’s menu has been developed.
