The owners of a historic County Durham restaurant have announced that they will be hanging up their aprons after 34 years at the helm – noting that they’re leaving to “start a new chapter”.

Blagraves House Restaurant, based on The Bank in Barnard Castle, has been a town favourite for over three decades after occupying The Blagraves; a building that dates back to 1495.

But it has now left loyal customers shocked after the owners announced that they would be leaving from Tuesday (June 14).

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Historically, the Grade I listed building, which takes its name from the Blagrave family who resided there in the 17th Century, has been significant after having General Oliver Cromwell stay there, as well as becoming a place that supported the poor of Barnard Castle in the 17th century.

The building boasts a colourful history originally being gifted by Richard III to Joan Forest, the wife of the Keeper of the King's Wardrobe, Miles Forest, who was alleged to have disposed of the two young princes at the Tower of London, along with John Dighton.

In recent times, it has been a place that the Barnard Castle community has enjoyed coming for meals – with the restaurant big enough to accommodate 26 people.

The Northern Echo: Inside Blagraves HouseInside Blagraves House

In an emotional social media post, which was published earlier this month, Ken, Elizabeth and Lois from Blagraves House Restaurant highlighted their love for the local community during the last 34 years.

It read: “It’s been a very long nine months in the pipeline, but we can finally share the news that from June 14, we will be retiring.

“After 34 years at Blagraves, it is with mixed emotions that we will be hanging up our aprons and leaving to start a new chapter in our lives.

“There are so many people we’d like to thank for making our time at Blagraves so special.

“From those who believed in us from the beginning to those who have supported us throughout our 34 years.”

The statement of thanks continues by highlighting the “whole community of Teesdale” as a driving force behind the restaurant’s success.  

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