NEW caterers have been announced to take over a café at a Powys castle that will open to the public for the first time in its 900-year history later this year.

Epicure Events has been announced as the new caterer for Hay Castle and has also been awarded an exclusive contract to be in charge of all events catering at the castle once its doors open.

The Herefordshire company brings together talented head chef Jonny Evans, catering manager Thom Williams and business manager Natalie Evans to create an exciting team that will deliver the very best dining and hospitality experience around, while supporting top local food producers and businesses from Wales and Herefordshire.

Jonny has 22 years’ experience as a professional chef and has worked at many prestigious London establishments including The Savoy and The Atlantic Bar and Grill. It was at the exclusive wedding venue in Herefordshire, Dewsall Court, that he first worked with Thom and where together they created menus, trained and managed staff and built a reputation for outstanding food, drink and hospitality.

Thom has worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years, including at The Feathers Hotel in Ledbury. In 2016, he was hired by Dewsall Court as catering manager.

Following a career in TV post-production, Natalie decided on a complete change of direction and launched a street food company with Jonny, working at various national food festivals including Glastonbury. In 2018, she and Jonny set up a micro distillery from an outbuilding at their home in Bredwardine.

Newly-appointed executive director of Hay Castle, Tom True, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Epicure on this exciting new venture.

“Their passion, creativity and pride in local producers and businesses matches up to our castle mission. Banquets at Hay Castle are for everyone and we look forward to seeing brilliant food and smiling faces.”

The Hay Castle café will provide a welcoming and comfortable resting place for guests, offering friendly and attentive table service and serving artisan coffee, breakfast, light bites and substantial lunches alongside local craft drinks and organic wines. In line with the company’s ethos on the range of food and drinks on offer, there will be changing seasonal menus, using local, ethically-sourced produce from trusted suppliers.

The newly-restored Hay Castle, with its many different and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, will provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of special occasions.

Head chef Jonny said: “We are honoured to be working with the Hay Castle Trust in such an iconic building.

“We have watched the renovation works with anticipation over the years and are absolutely thrilled to be a part of the story of Hay Castle. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the cafe and to events at the castle to enjoy the incredible setting and atmosphere. Our aim is to simply create fresh, seasonal and delicious meals using the wealth of fantastic quality suppliers that we are so fortunate to have in the surrounding area.”