AUCKLAND Castle has appointed a catering company as part of its development as a major heritage site and tourist attraction.

LoveFood, a corporate and events catering service specialising in local produce, is now running the cafe at the castle in Bishop Auckland as the castle opens its doors to visitors six days a week.

Set up in 2009 by managing director Leanne McHugh, director Mark Garry and executive chef Jonathan Wardale, LoveFood will run the cafe as well as supply catering for corporate and social events such as weddings.

Ms McHugh said: “We’re all so excited to be a part of such an historic attraction as it really is a beautiful place to work.

“We’ll be joining the castle at an exciting stage of its redevelopment as an in-house caterer and will be supplying fresh tea and coffee, homemade cakes and pastries, sandwiches, paninis and soup to the public."

LoveFood is getting set to cater for Auckland Castle’s first Supper Club of the year at the end of May, which will have a Spanish theme to celebrate the Zurbarán paintings.

Rowena Hackwood, Auckland Castle’s chief executive who heads up the Trust team, said: “Here at the castle we wholeheartedly welcome the LoveFood team on board as we gear up for what is set to be a busy and exciting period.”

Auckland Castle is open every day apart from Tuesdays from 10.30am to 4pm.

Entry costs £8 for adults, £6 concessions, £4 children and £20 for a family card.