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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Madelaine Richards & Amardeep Bassey

Historic prison is set to reopen as a cafe still with its barred windows and cells

An historic prison which closed over a year ago is set to reopen as a cafe - complete with barred windows.

The Old Prison, formerly known as Northleach House of Correction, will retain many of its period features including the barred windows as well as a "distinctive court room with fitted dock and bench."

Since the prison closed down, its owners Friends of the Cotswolds have been looking for a new operator - and they found award-winning catering company Relish, reports GloucestershireLive.

Relish and The Old Prison director Philippa Sawyer said: "It is a really exciting project and an incredible space that can be used for private parties, including weddings but is also ideal for coach tours and large groups.

"The cells and court room will remain open so people can take a look at the buildings past."

The building is due to reopen in early October. And although some areas of the prison will remain the same - including a - other parts are set to be completely changed.

The glass roof cafe area will now be transformed into a 'luscious green dining area, decorated with plants and shrubbery.'

The space will be filled with sofas and dining furniture to give it a 'comfy and cosy' feel and will look out onto the grassy courtyard and stables where the Lloyd Baker Rural Life collection of agricultural equipment is on display.

Director and chef Rob Goves said: "We work with some awesome local suppliers whose incredible seasonal produce will do this stunning venue justice, no pun intended."

He went on to say: "We are already planning the menu and will have dishes like Homemade Cotswold Honey Granola, Local Fruit, Cotswolds Dairy Yoghurt, Wiltshire Ham & Hereford Hop Sourdough Toasties, and Special 'Prison Meals' which will change regularly with the seasons."

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