19-02-2025
Auckland Palace's newly-refurbished Tudor kitchen unveils 2025 menu
A refurbished Tudor kitchen at Auckland Palace has unveiled its new menu for 2025.
The Bishop's Kitchen, originally an undercroft of Bishop Antony Bek's Great Chamber, was transformed into a bustling kitchen in the late 15th century by Bishop Richard Fox.
It has now revealed its new menu, which showcases an array of homemade dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including eggs benedict, artisan beef and ale pie, and a ploughman's picnic sharing board.
Visitors can also build their own hamper from the Bishop's Kitchen farm shop, stocked with a variety of goods from the area including cheeses, chutneys, breads, and meats.
A selection of dishes available including traditional afternoon tea, artisan beef and ale pie, handcrafted sausage role with Palace chutney and vanilla slice. (Image: Auckland Project)
These developments coincide with the appointment of Simon Wright as the new director of food and beverage at The Auckland Project.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr Wright has worked with industry names including Cunard Cruises, Cairn Group, Disney Cruise Line, and The Waterfalls Group.
He will oversee the 38-bedroom Park Head Hotel's Oak Room restaurant and the El Castillo tapas restaurant.
He said: "I'm delighted to join The Auckland Project at such an exciting time, not only for the Project but for the residents of Bishop Auckland and beyond.
"At the Bishop's Kitchen, guests can enjoy dining in the medieval kitchen or our courtyard garden, where they can sample a delicious selection of dishes, from soups, sandwiches, and salads to cakes and savoury treats to delight locals and visitors alike, enhancing their time at the historical Auckland Palace.
"Our focus throughout our attractions is on quality produce grown within the Castle grounds or sourced locally from our network of suppliers, all prepared by our in-house catering team in order to enhance the visitor experience."
David Land, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Simon to The Auckland Project.
"His breadth of knowledge and expertise will transform our approach to hospitality, ensuring that the quality of food and drinks served in our venues matches the superb quality of our visitor attractions, highlighted by our newly unveiled Bishop's Kitchen menu."
The Auckland Project, based in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is a regeneration charity dedicated to 'building a brighter future for the picturesque market town through art, history, and culture'.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the recently opened Faith Museum, along with its extensive gardens and deer park.
