Dining out at Mainsgill Farm Shop has become a whole lot more comfortable with the opening a new orangery.
Construction on the extension to the dining hall, which replaces a former marquee dining space, began in January, where owners Andrew and Maria Henshaw ensured people could sit down for a meal throughout.
Maria said: “We like a challenge. We never closed and kept it open. We have transferred from one part to another part and then another part. Our customers have been absolutely amazing – patient and very understanding, and very excited because they have seen it being built as we have gone along.”
Always adaptable, the couple changed their design precisely while managing the space where customers sat down for their meals.
Maria said: “Originally it was going to be one big hall but we put up a false wall so we could use that space while we took the marquee down. But I quite liked the wall, so we have kept it to two.”
The result is an impressive space on one side that offers more comfort and space for diners, with the raised ceiling adding to the airiness of the room.
It has been decorated with a partly Mediterranean theme with the introduction of two large bonsai olive trees and four large statues representing the four seasons.
There is also a lemon tree currently in fruit, which, after making for a first celebratory gin and tonic for Maria, will be used by the kitchen to produce lemon meringue pies.
Maria said: “We have full glass at the front so you can see the views – you can see five villages out there – Washton, Kirby Hill, Ravensworth, Gayles and Dalton.”
New furniture adds to the atmosphere with Maria and daughter Rachel visiting Portugal for the chairs, with Rachel choosing the blue and orange colours.
The second room features a large stone waterfall and a large image of an orange across one of the walls. With it being separated from the main dining hall, it offers a quieter space for customers.
The official opening of the extension took place on Friday, December 5, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak doing the honours.
Maria said: “To be fair, he has always been very good. He has shown a keen interest in the business over the years – through Covid and one thing or another.”
Last month the Richmond MP and his wife Akshata Murty did some filming at the farm shop as part of a numeracy campaign.
Maria said: “We had his wife baking in the back weighing out and we had Rishi on the cheese counter weighing and cutting cheese. There is always something going on here at Mainsgill.”
