BUSINESS MATTERS Michelle Neale of Camellia Catering, pictured at the historic Orangery garden café
Future is bright for the Orangery garden café With a complete top-to-toe refurbishment and a seachange in its food ethos, the historic Orangery garden café at Mount Edgcumbe has been transformed into a beautiful venue for all seasons. The Orangery now offers fresh homemade food that’s jam-packed with local produce and, with its contemporary but still friendly atmosphere, it’s fast becoming a favourite for couples looking to hold their wedding reception in a unique setting and for people celebrating special occasions. The transformation has been carried out by Michelle Neale, whose Camellia Catering business took over the running of The Orangery three years ago. Michelle had already been working at the venue for four years as a team member for the previous management so she knew what she was taking on. But it was a challenge that Michelle, who’s been in the industry all her working life, accepted with relish: “Just look at the location and the garden!” she said. “It’s a gorgeous place and it’s got a history that goes back to the 1700s when the Edgcumbes had The Orangery built for the orange trees they brought back from their travels. But it had become sad and tired. We’ve brought it up to date and given the whole place a fresh, stylish look. I’m super proud of what we’ve achieved.” The Orangery has a new kitchen and bar and a menu that finally does the venue justice. Gone are the pre-packed sandwiches, replaced by tasty meals and cakes made using ingredients
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The Plymouth Magazine March 2017
largely from Devon and Cornwall: “It has changed everyone’s perception of The Orangery,” said Michelle. “Before, people would pop in for a cuppa as part of their walk around Mount Edgcumbe; now they’re making us their destination. “Some customers have said this is the best food they’ve ever had. It’s simple and traditional food but it’s beautiful food – and that’s down to the quality of the ingredients and the incredible creativity of our chefs, Biruta, Kerri and Jake. I think the only thing we don’t actually make ourselves is the jam,” added Michelle. The menu includes the all day Orangery breakfast including a vegetarian option, all day brunch, gourmet burger, sandwiches and a children’s menu. The bar and cocktail menus also celebrate local ales, ciders, rum and gin. Among the cocktails is the ‘Poldark and Stormy’ featuring Cornish-produced Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum with Fever Tree ginger beer, fresh lime and bitters served over ice. Cornish Bramble, meanwhile, has Tarquin’s Cornish gin as its main star. The Sunday roast offers a choice of local meats or a nut roast with seasonal vegetables for £11. Word has got out about these so it’s best to book in advance. The cream teas are hard to resist, too (check out the size of the scones!) For those who like to sample a bit of everything, which let’s face it is most of us, then an afternoon or high tea is Food photos courtesy of Barney Walters