17/06/09 - Stourport Mayor officially opens new Restaurant

Councilor John Holden, Mayor of Stourport, set sail yesterday a British Waterways Heritage Working Boat, arriving at Stourport Basins with representatives of the project partners for the official opening of the new Windlass Cafe/Restaurant and Stourport Basins Heritage Room which was completed earlier this year.

The project was funded through a £500,000 grant from Advantage West Midlands to Stourport Forward. Conversion and restoration work to the Grade II listed building was carried out by Stourport based company Thomas Vale Construction, who are celebrating their 140th anniversary this year, working with Quattro Design and project management support was provided by Faithful + Gould.

The launch was well attended with over 50 guests and representatives of partner organisations. Guests were treated to a taster of some of the new experiences which are being developed for visitors to Stourport Canal Basins. This included the opportunity to view and learn about a British Waterways Heritage Working Boat, Costume Guided Walk, a temporary display in the Old Stable Heritage Room, which includes artifacts which have been loaned by Bewdley Museum. Jon Payne, Partnerships Team Leader at Advantage West Midlands, said: “This restoration project is a fine example of funding partners working together to create new jobs directly through the café and as a result of the investment and confidence that the improvements to the Stourport canal basins are bringing. The project also helps to support Stourport Forward, to continue to improve the town for the benefit of local people and businesses.” “Tourism is a business sector that looks set to buck the recession as more people opt to stay in the UK for breaks and holidays and visit locations closer to home. Stourport will enjoy the benefit of the canal basins for years to come.” The Cafe/Restaurant has been converted from an old workshop and stable into a tranquil, friendly cafe/restaurant. It was recently leased by Stourport Forward to Lyn Round who has successfully launched it as “The Windlass” Cafe/Restaurant. Waitresses, dressed in period costume, serve refreshments and handmade cakes and scones at the Victorian themed tearoom. The emphasis of Lyn’s menu is traditional home-cooked food, using local produce at value-for-money prices. During fine weather customers can escape the hustle and bustle of the busy market town of Stourport in the café’s peaceful “secret walled garden”. The Windlass in the evening offers a traditional menu, served in atmospheric candlelit surroundings. On warm balmy evenings there is the chance to dine alfresco in the beautiful secret walled garden. Tony Hyde, Managing Director at Thomas Vale Construction, said “Our local knowledge has proved invaluable when ensuring the heritage of the local area is preserved. We are extremely proud to be involved in this phase of the redevelopment of Stourport Basins.”

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