VISITORS to Haworth Art Gallery can now partake of brunch and afternoon tea at a sumptuous new tea room which has opened there.

The Gallery Kitchen is set to prove as big a draw as the gallery itself, which is famous for having the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It is being run by Simon and Rachel Shields, of Huncoat, and their son Joseph, 18, who will be front of house manager.

The couple have run the Griffin’s Head, Huncoat, for four years, where they have built up a reputation for serving top-quality food using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local producers.

At the gallery they are offering everything from classic brunch favourites such as eggs Benedict, to lighter snacks, right up to a full afternoon tea with all the trimmings.

Simon said: “When the opportunity came up to put in a tender we jumped at it.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity because it is such a place with such pedigree. The gallery is one of Hyndburn’s jewels in the crown and, being from Accrington we are well aware of that.

“Everything we’ve done with the refurbishment has been in keeping with the gallery’s sense of history.

“There’s nowhere quite like it in Accrington and we’ve had a very positive response from customers.

“We can do anything from a simple cup of tea right up to catering for weddings, not forgetting people can now get married at Haworth Art Gallery, and funerals.”

Hyndburn council leisure and arts boss Ken Moss said: “I am delighted that we have finally have this addition to the gallery.

“It is in the former gift shop which was underused and I have been several times and trade is steadily building.”

The Gallery Kitchen is initially trading alongside the gallery opening hours which are Wednesday to Friday, noon to 4.45pm and Saturday, noon to 4.15pm.