Pensthorpe Nature Reserve announces six-figure Courtyard Café expansion to ‘enhance visitor experience’ set to be finished in July

A 700-acre nature reserve in North Norfolk has announced the upcoming expansion and refurbishment of its café.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve has revealed that work on the development will start in the next few months, after a record-breaking year and as part of its vision to connect more people with the outdoors.

The renovation of the Courtyard Café is a six-figure investment designed to enhance the visitor experience, building on the success of the reserve’s previous mini café refurbishment in 2023.

As a key part of the Pensthorpe experience, the Courtyard Café will serve as the “perfect place to relax and refuel after exploring the vast nature reserve”, officials said.

They added that, from the new project, visitors can expect:

- A serving counter three times larger than the current one

- Two tills for quicker service during peak times

- A new serving hatch that opens out onto the lawn

- Brand-new, state-of-the-art coffee machines offering top-quality barista coffees

- Stylish new tables, chairs, and flooring for a more comfortable environment

- Full-length glazing to immerse guests in nature and enhance the café’s light-filled, open atmosphere

- A purpose-built kitchen with double the space and upgraded equipment, ensuring faster service

“The design of the new café will integrate seamlessly with the surrounding reserve,” a spokesperson said.

“Guests will be able to feel fully immersed in nature, thanks to the café's expansive glazing and the sustainable materials used throughout.”

The design also includes built-in bird and bat boxes.

While the café will remain open during the four to six-month refurbishment, the team at the reserve said that they are “committed to ensuring there are minimal disruptions for their guests”.

A temporary kitchen will be in place to maintain a high level of service, with any reductions in menu options or seating limited to quieter periods.

Ben Marshall, managing director at Pensthorpe, said: “We are incredibly excited to offer a café experience that matches the beauty and serenity of Pensthorpe.

“This expansion is an important part of our broader mission to provide guests with a well-rounded experience – whether they are stopping for a quick coffee before exploring or enjoying a relaxing meal or afternoon tea.”

Among Pensthorpe’s offerings are eco-play areas and five gardens.

With more than 1,200 recorded species of wildlife, the reserve provides “unparalleled opportunities for bird and wildlife watching”.

The expanded Courtyard Café is set to open in July.