Queen's Mill becomes a new community hub with two new business ventures.

Castleford Heritage Trust works to transform the town’s Queen’s Mill by taking up two business ventures.

The Bay Tree Bakery has moved into Queen’s Mill this month. The bakery plans to produce traditional bread with the flour milled at Queen’s Mill.

The Bay Tree Bakery is run by Stuart Boothman who produces a range of artisan breads which he regularly sells at farmers’ markets around Yorkshire.

Artisan bread is made with flour, water, yeast and salt making it free from additives and preservatives.

After originally setting up his business from his home in Wakefield, Stuart became based at Queen’s Mill in May.

From August 5 he will also be selling bread to evening commuters at Wakefield Westgate Station every Wednesday. He said:

“I was looking for somewhere to bake and the trust was looking for a baker to bake on its premises, using flour it will mill. We seemed to fall into each other’s laps.”

“I really like the trustees’ attitude – they think big and have a clear vision – all backed up with values that I share.”

“They are investing in the town for the future. Local economic development, training and apprenticeships, a ‘Made in Castleford’ brand, renewables and sustainability.”

“It is a real pleasure to be associated with the mill.”

Dana Russell a local business woman is also joining the Mill and she will be taking over the mills café. Dana has over ten years catering experience and works in association with Ambassador Catering Events.

She plans to transform the café into a new – look licensed luxury tea room. Dana said:

“When I came to the mill to look round I thought what a fantastic opportunity it would be to set up in such an impressive building full of local history.”

“I have been working towards launching my tea room for some time. When I saw the mill, I knew it was right.’’

“I want it to be a relaxing place where people can meet, but also stay in keeping with the mill. It will be light, bright and welcoming. It will have plenty of customer parking and weather permitting outside seating.”

Queen’s Mill Tea Rooms will serve quality teas and fresh coffee. It will specialise in afternoon teas, home-made cakes and light meals including stone-baked pizzas. The tea rooms will serve quality wines, premium lagers and locally brewed beers too.

The tea rooms will initially be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 10am-5pm.

Alison Drake, the chairman of the Castleford Heritage Trust said:

“These are important developments for us. We have two excellent new partners who are helping to take forward our plans for the site and furthering our aims to make Queen’s Mill and Castleford’s riverside an attractive destination.”

You can find out more by going online to the Bay Tree Bakery and Queen’s Mill Tea Rooms.

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