Holmes Mill showcase latest phase of development

The next phase of the £10m conversion of a former textile mill into a food, drink and hospitality hub will be showcased as part of the Clitheroe Food Festival.

Holmes Mill, on the edge of Clitheroe town centre, is already part way through its transformation into the town’s latest and greatest food and drink experience.

The Beer Hall at Holmes Mill opened in July, Bowland Brewery has already moved production to the site and now the café, ice creamery, bakery, shop and multi-use function room will be showcased to coincide with the popular festival on Saturday August 13.

Clitheroe Food Festival will be the springboard to seven days a week opening between 11am and 11pm for the Beer Hall.

The mill is owned by James’ Places, which along with Bowland Brewery counts Ribble Valley favourites The Emporium at Clitheroe, Mitton Hall, Eaves Hall, Waddington Arms, Lower Buck and Shireburn Arms among its portfolio.

Said marketing manager Heidi Kettle: “The Beer Hall at Holmes Mill has been fantastically well received. We are sure that locals and visitors alike will be just as impressed with the next phases of the development which will be on show over the weekend of the Clitheroe Food Festival.

“We are looking forward to giving a taste of the new venues and opening bookings for the multi-use function room which could be used for anything and everything from a pop up cinema to a big birthday party.”

The ice creamery will use locally produced Bowland milk to make ice cream to a special Italian recipe. The café features 10 tables and the bakery will eventually supply fresh produce to all of James’ Places hotels and venues. The shop will complement Bowland Brewery tours and act as reception for the complex. Along with the multi-use function room these spaces will be on show but will not be fully functioning until later in the year.

And there is more to come in the development, which is creating up to 180 new jobs in the Ribble Valley.

Heidi added: “We have only opened a tenth of the mill so far. Still to come is a 30 bedroom hotel, urban spa and gym and top floor, fully equipped office spaces. Imagine what an exciting place Holmes Mill is going to continue and grow to be with all this available in the heart of Clitheroe.”

James’ Places is fully supporting Clitheroe Food Festival on Saturday August 13 with the Bowland Brewery bus serving beer from the corner of Market Street and live music by The Ragamuffins in the Beer Hall from 4.30pm.