What's Happening At The Stables Kitchen Cafe At Burton Constable Hall?

There's nothing quite like a good slice of cake and a cuppa after a grand day out, is there? And if that day out is at a massive historic house, it just tastes even better. For anyone who has ever visited Burton Constable Hall, the Stables Kitchen is a familiar and welcome sight. Well, there's been a bit of a change-up behind the scenes.

The Burton Constable Foundation, the very people who look after the incredible hall and grounds, has now taken over the full operation of the popular cafe. It's a big move that means every scone and sausage roll bought now plays a part in keeping the historic site special.

So, what's actually new at the stables kitchen?

Honestly, for visitors popping in for a bite, not a lot has changed on the surface, which is brilliant news. The cafe is still called the Stables Kitchen, and the same lovely team is there to greet everyone. All the delicious cakes, scones, and traybakes are still freshly made right there, so that fresh-from-the-oven smell isn't going anywhere. The real change is where the money goes. Before, the cafe was run by a different company. Now, with the Foundation in charge of the operation, every single penny of profit goes directly back into looking after Burton Constable.

Think of it like this: buying a coffee is now like putting a few quid directly into a pot marked "Fix the roof of a 700-year-old country house" or "Help preserve amazing art collections". It turns a simple treat into an act of kindness for a hugely important heritage site. This change helps the Burton Constable Foundation, a registered charitable company, continue its vital conservation work for a place that has been standing for centuries.

A cuppa for a cause: how your cake helps

The Burton Constable Foundation was set up back in 1992. Its main job? To look after Burton Constable Hall, all the amazing stuff inside it, and the massive parkland surrounding it. It's a charitable company, which means its goal isn't to make a profit for shareholders but to protect this incredible slice of history for everyone to enjoy. Bringing the Stables Kitchen under its own operation is a huge step for the Foundation. It means it has a new, sustainable way to raise funds for the ongoing conservation of the hall and its historic parkland.

This ensures that the stunning Elizabethan country house and its beautiful outdoor spaces can be maintained for future generations of visitors. Every purchase of refreshments, no matter how small, directly supports the preservation of this unique heritage site. The Foundation's registered office is right there at Burton Constable Hall, so the team is on-site, dedicated to the cause.

A word from the chief executive

The person in charge of the whole operation is Alasdair Hutson, the Chief Executive of the Burton Constable Foundation. A Chief Executive's job is to steer the ship, making the big decisions that keep everything running smoothly. He and his team are clearly excited about this new chapter for the Stables Kitchen.

Here's what Alasdair Hutson had to say: "We are excited to welcome the Stables Kitchen into the heart of the Foundation's operations. This change not only allows us to enhance the visitor experience but also ensures that every purchase helps preserve this unique heritage site for future generations."

It's clear the focus is on making the visitor experience even better while securing the future of the hall. Simple, but very effective.

Not just a pretty building: what is burton constable?

For those who haven't had the chance to visit, Burton Constable is more than just a place for a walk. It's a giant Elizabethan country house that has been home to the Constable family for over 700 years. That's an incredible amount of history under one roof. Inside the hall, there are over 30 rooms open for exploration, each filled with incredible art, fancy furniture, and historic collections that tell stories from across the centuries.

One of the standout features is the 'Cabinet of Curiosities'. It's a bit like a real-life treasure chest from an adventure film, packed with scientific instruments, ancient objects, and specimens from the world of nature. It's a fascinating glimpse into what people found interesting hundreds of years ago.

Get your wellies on for some outdoor exploration

Beyond the walls of the hall, there's a huge amount of outdoor space to explore. The stunning parkland was designed by the famous landscape architect 'Capability' Brown, who was basically the rockstar of garden design in the 18th century. Visitors can wander along woodland trails, take peaceful strolls by the lakes, and just enjoy being out in nature. It's a fantastic spot for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure, with plenty of wildlife to spot if you're quiet. The conservation of this parkland is just as important as the hall itself.

And about that massive whale...

Right, you can't talk about Burton Constable without mentioning the whale. Yes, a whale. In the historic stables block-the same area where the Stables Kitchen is located-there's an astonishing sight: the 60-foot skeleton of a young sperm whale. This very whale washed up on the nearby coast in 1825 and has been at Burton Constable ever since. It's so famous that it even got a mention in Herman Melville's classic book, Moby-Dick! It's one of those things you just have to see to believe. A visit to the stables gives a real sense of the history of the whole estate.

Planning your visit for some top-tier refreshments

The best part? Anyone can pop into the Stables Kitchen for some delicious refreshments. There's no need to buy an admission ticket to the hall or grounds just to visit the cafe. It's open to all, whether you're a regular visitor to the estate or just a passer-by who fancies a good brew. While the Foundation gets the cafe's own social media accounts sorted, all the latest news and updates will be shared on the main Burton Constable Hall channels. So, next time you're near Burton Constable, remember that a trip to the Stables Kitchen isn't just a treat for you, it's a helping hand for one of the region's greatest treasures.