Cranstons enlarged Cumbrian Food Hall and their new Café Oswald’s restaurant were officially opened today by four of the many local producers who exemplify Cranstons commitment to supporting and encouraging the production of top quality, local Cumbrian food. Watched by almost 150 invited guests from the Cumbrian business, farming and food-producer community, Pork farmer Martyn Hunter, Appleby Cheesemaker Maurice Walton, Beef Farmer Robert Dickinson and Lynne Mallinson, founder of “Country Puddings”, all joined Directors Philip and Roger Cranston as a “ribbon” of Cranstons’ signature Cumberland Sausage was ceremoniously cut, to mark the official opening of the new premises.

The Food Hall now carries produce from over 35 local suppliers as well as continuing to source meat from many local farms, some of whom have provided Cranstons with produce for many decades. New additions to the greatly-expanded Food Hall include a fresh fish counter managed by Neil Scott of Penrith, more speciality breads, all baked on the premises, a new patisserie counter, a larger selection of fine wines and local ales, and even a Chocolate counter stocking Saunders hand-made Chocolates.

Café Oswald’s, Cranstons first ever restaurant facility, will specialise in serving much of the fresh local produce on sale in the Food Hall below. The Café menu has already proved a big hit with customers who have had the opportunity to try out the new facilities during our training period, prior to today’s official opening.

Managing Director Philip Cranston commented:
“Today, we have reached another milestone in our ambition to continue to champion local foods from local Cumbrian producers. We would not be where we are today without the continuing efforts of farmers and our local food suppliers to ensure consistent standards of food quality, great flavours and new, inspiring product ranges. I am also delighted that in the teeth of a recession, we have been able to successfully launch our expanded facilities on time, and with the valuable addition of 20 local full and part-time jobs.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all who have helped us along the way, including the expertise and dedication of our own staff, without whom none of this would have been possible. Last but not least, I would like to personally thank our many discerning customers both local, and those who travel some considerable distance to enjoy the Cranstons food shopping experience, week after week”.

Four Local Producers were delighted to be asked to take part in “Cutting the Sausages” at Cranstons opening ceremony. Here are their details and what they had to say:

Martyn Hunter, Local Pork Farmer
Martyn Hunter and formerly, his father Bill, of Orchard House Farm, Newbiggin, near Penrith, have supplied Cranstons with the finest Cumbrian Pork for over 30 years. Said Martyn:

“We value the relationship we have built up with Cranstons over the years, which began in 1976 with my father Bill, who first sold pork to James Cranston, father of the current directors. This relationship has allowed us to develop our business with quality in mind over the long-term, in the knowledge that we have willing local buyers who appreciate our production standards, and our commitment to producing excellent, truly flavoursome pork”.

Robert Dickinson, Local Beef Farmer
Robert Dickinson of High Knipe Farm, Askham, has supplied Cranstons with prime Cumbrian beef for over 20 years. Cranstons have a long-standing relationship with the farm, going back to the Dickinson’s first forays into beef production, when Jimmy Cranston, father of the current owners, started to purchase their beef at auction. Mr Dickinson said:

“We have developed a solid partnership with Cranstons over many years and it is an honour to participate in their opening ceremony today: our participation is testament to the partnership and support which Cranstons have shown to us, and to other local farmers, over the years”.

Maurice Walton, Local Cheese Producer
Maurice Walton, established the Appleby Creamery with two colleagues, Alan Mandle and Bob Parmley, in 2007, with the aim of producing quality cheeses using only local milk. All three directors are passionate about cheese with 70 years of cheese-making experience between them. One of Cranstons youngest supplier-companies, they came on board in January of this year, but already their cheeses have proved a big hit with customers, with “Old Applebian” and “Black Dub” both featuring on the menu in Café Oswald’s. Maurice commented:

“We are truly proud to provide our quality specialist cheeses to Cranstons and honoured to be asked to open the newly extended Food Hall. We are full of admiration for what Cranstons have achieved and applaud their continuous genuine support for new local producers, like ourselves”.

Lynne Mallinson, Local Pudding Maker
Lynne Mallinson, founder and pudding-maker-in chief at her company, “Country Puddings”, was one of the first new local producers to feature in the Cumbrian Food Hall. Since then, sales have gone from strength-to-strength, with numerous food awards and plaudits garnered along the way. Said Lynne:

“We have been delighted to play our part in the success of Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall and we look forward to taking advantage of their new customer demonstration facilities and to tempting customers with some exciting new pudding recipes in the new, extended premises, in the future”.