Cranstons announce major refurbishment of flagship Cumbrian Food Hall

14th August 2023

We are about to embark on a major refurbishment of their Cumbrian Food Hall in Penrith.  The Food Hall will remain open to customers throughout the 6-week refit project – which kicks off on Monday 4th September – with sections being hoarded off whilst work is done.  It is a major investment that will ensure our flagship food hall remains an exciting destination for shoppers.

 

Our Retail Development Director Jane Silburn 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 re-plan 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’’

We refurbished our first floor Café, Oswald’s, during the 2021 lockdown transforming the space and we’ve now planned a similar overhaul to the food hall below this September and October.  The work will be done in 5 phases allowing customers to continue to use the popular food hall which champions local produce throughout. During the work there will be some temporary range restrictions. Café Oswald’s will be closed for just 2 days from the 4th-5th September.

Our Food Hall manager Rob McManus said “Unfortunately there will be some disruption to customers during the 6-week long 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 7 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.’’

Rob said “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 re-opened in time for the October half term holidays, with a Cumbrian festival of food show casing Cranstons 100 + Cumbrian suppliers planned for the 27th and 28th October to celebrate the project’s completion and to thank customers for their support.

Watch this space!