Rhug Estate expands café operations and welcomes new head chef amid award recognition
Rhug Estate expands café operations and welcomes new head chef amid award recognition
Rhug Estate, the 12,500-acre organic farm near Corwen in Denbighshire, has unveiled a major expansion to its popular Café Rhug, just as customer footfall begins to rise ahead of the busy summer season.
A newly installed glass-canopy conservatory has added 15 extra covers to the café’s capacity, offering guests an attractive alfresco dining experience that has already proven a hit with visitors. The outdoor terrace is particularly popular with cyclists and travellers looking for a quick, high-quality food stop from the café or its adjacent takeaway.
The development comes alongside the appointment of new head chef Jordan Richardson, who has introduced a fresh slate of seasonal dishes that are drawing praise from both loyal customers and new visitors.
Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough, who has been named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year at this year’s Wales Food and Drink Awards, said the estate will continue to invest in improvements throughout the summer.
“The new-look outdoor terrace has been very busy since opening, with visitors keen to dine alfresco in the recent sunny weather,” he said. “The café and farm shop are looking fantastic following the redevelopment of our offices and HQ. We have plans to keep upgrading the site, including the retail units, and will be announcing a programme of events across the summer and into the winter. It’s going to be another big year for Rhug Estate.”
The estate is also shortlisted in the Sustainable Values category at the Wales Food and Drink Awards — recognition of its long-standing commitment to ethical and organic farming practices.
Managing Director Amy Coleman highlighted the early success of the café’s expansion. “We are thrilled with the feedback so far and have seen an upturn in customer numbers and footfall,” she said. “It’s heartening to see so many people enjoying the café, the new dishes brought in by Jordan, and the extended outdoor space.”
Café Rhug sources much of its produce from local suppliers and features meat from the estate’s own organic farm — a supplier awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment for its countryside stewardship and animal welfare standards. Its Sunday roast dinners, showcasing Rhug’s award-winning lamb and beef, continue to be a major draw.
With summer footfall rising, the expansion of Café Rhug, a bolstered kitchen team, and a wave of award recognition signal a strong year ahead for one of Wales’s most prominent organic estates.
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