Work is set to start on a major revamp of Cranstons’ Cumbrian Food Hall in Penrith.
The project begins on September 4 and will last for six weeks.
It will remain open to customers while work is underway and the company said the work was to make sure the flagship outlet remained an exciting destination for shoppers.
Jane Silburn, Cranstons retail development director, said: “The original food hall has been open for 20 years and the extension for 14 years. If you look closely it is starting to show its age.
“As our customer floor, prepack fridges and freezers need replacing, we have made the decision to completely refit and replan the shop.
“We have invested in new more environmentally friendly solar panels, fridges, freezers, and lighting and worked with a specialist shop designer to create an exciting new layout which reflects current shopping habits. A stylish new home for all the tasty food and drink Cranstons and our amazing Cumbrian suppliers love making.”
Cranstons refurbished their first floor café, Oswald’s, during the 2021 lockdown and now plan a similar overhaul to the food hall.
The work will be done in five phases and during the work there will be some temporary range restrictions.
Café Oswald’s will be closed for just two days on September 4 and 5 and its hot counter will be closed for three weeks from September 23 to October 16.
Rob McManus, master butcher and Cumbrian Food Hall manager, added: “Unfortunately there will be some disruption to customers during the six-week refit as we trade from a smaller area within the food hall and hoardings are moved around to allow the work to be completed.
“We will remain open seven days a week offering all our best-selling lines and our friendly team will be on hand to help customers find what they need. Those wanting more specialist items can order them in advance.
“We are sorry for the short-term inconvenience this will cause but we are confident that it will be worth it. The whole team are excited for all our supportive customers to see the new improved food hall. The refit will ensure that shopping at Cranstons continues to be a completely different experience to shopping in the supermarket, where one aisle looks very much the same as another!”
The new look Cumbrian food hall will be fully reopened in time for the October half term holidays, with a Cumbrian festival of food showcasing Cranstons’ 100-plus Cumbrian suppliers planned for October 27 and 28 to celebrate the project’s completion and to thank customers for their support.
