Highcliffe Castle tearooms to reopen after two years as new operator Openwide Ltd revealed

THE tea rooms at Highcliffe Castle are set for a new operator which already runs facilities on Bournemouth Pier including Rock Reef and Key West restaurant.

Openwide Ltd hopes to start serving visitors in early July from the castle which is owned by BCP Council, which put the catering contract out to tender.

There has been dismay locally with the amount of time it has taken the council to find someone to run them. They have been closed since November 2022, and refreshments were served to visitors from a food truck last year.

It was previously run by catering company Aramark, which had the lease since 2017. But it had to hand the keys back after failing to make a profit.

Among those who put in to take over the tearooms were the owners of Barton’s Cliffhanger Restaurant, who previously ran it for many years.

But instead, it was given to Openwide.

Cllr Mike Cox, BCP council portfolio holder for finance said: “Following a full tender process, a new permanent provider has been appointed for our award-winning site at Highcliffe Castle.

“Although the process for securing a permanent provider has not been as quick as we all would have liked, we are now pleased to finally add this attraction to a castle visit.

“I and the team at the castle would like to thank all our visitors and supporters for their patience during this delay and look forward to welcoming them to the castle for what is sure to be a busy and enjoyable 2024 season.”

Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader of BCP Council and portfolio holder for connected communities, said: “Highcliffe Castle is a treasured site of local history in a unique and beautiful setting.

”BCP Council is lucky to be the custodian of the castle and part of this privilege involves ensuring that a tearoom fit for this location is in place for visitors and local residents this summer.

“A permanent tearoom was the only thing lacking from a recent visit I made to the castle, and I look forward to returning soon to see how this new addition has enhanced the experience available at our award-winning venue.”

Sarah Hunter, managing director of Openwide, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this contract and are looking forward to working closely with the BCP team at Highcliffe Castle to provide a quality catering and refreshment offer from the tearooms and to help promote events at the castle.

“It is an exciting opportunity for us to expand our business portfolio in the local area and we will be looking to work with local suppliers, engage with the local community and use our extensive hospitality experience to ensure we deliver a quality, sustainable catering offer to attract both locals and visitors to Highcliffe Castle and the grounds.”