New £2.4m leisure destination set to open at Belvoir Castle
A new luxury destination for food, drink and retail therapy is set to be unveiled at Belvoir Castle on Friday 15th June, following a £2.4m investment
The Engine Yard, a collection of historic buildings by the entrance to the Castle, will host a number of local businesses, luxury retail brands and food producers, as well as a restaurant and spa.
The first phase of the development, the Idle Mole plant centre, will open to the public on Saturday 26 May. The centre will stock plants, homewares and gifts.
The Engine Yard will also play host to the Duchess’ Gallery, which will offer a range of clothing, accessories and gifts, curated by the Duchess of Rutland.
Created from 19th century buildings originally used to house maintenance workshops servicing the Castle and other properties on the 15,000 acre Belvoir Estate, the Engine Yard’s buildings have been developed into 12,000 sq ft of retail space.
In addition to the Gallery, the Engine Yard will host local businesses and British brands.
Among the luxury retailers will be butcher come farm shop The Country Victuallers, chocolatier Cocoa Amore, speciality coffee provider Cherizena, craft and toy store Crafts4Kids, and homewares retailer Margo and Plum. After a day of eating and shopping, visitors will be able to relax and unwind at the Belvoir Casa Spa.
The Duchess of Rutland explained that she hoped the venue would become a luxury destination for food and drink enthusiasts, to be enjoyed by the local community in the Vale of Belvoir and visitors from further afield.
She said: “The Engine Yard was once used by skilled craftsmen to create furniture, doors and windows for the Castle and we wanted the new development to reflect the same ethos, with talented entrepreneurs showcasing their artisan products.
“We have created a true centre of excellence for food and drink, as well as hosting unique, luxury retail brands unlike anything else in the region. Our aim was always to turn these once-dilapidated buildings into an area to be enjoyed by the local community and showcase the very best the region has to offer to visitors. We have created yet another reason to spend a day at Belvoir Castle.”
The venue will host a number of events throughout the year, starting with BBQ evenings throughout the summer and also include cookery demonstrations and foodie talks, farmers’ markets, craft fairs and activity experiences for children.
