Mount Grace Priory

ARCHITECT

MawsonKerr Architects

AWARDS

North York Moors National Park – Best Non Residential Building
RIBA Yorkshire – Shortlisted
RICS Yorkshire – Tourism & Leisure Shortlisted

DETAIL

Cooper8 were commissioned to design the kitchen and servery area of a catering outlet within the grounds of Mount Grace Priory, a historic site in North Yorkshire. The project, developed in collaboration with architects Mawson Kerr, main contractor Brims Construction, and M&E consultants SINE Consulting, focused on enhancing an underused area of the site and increasing visitor numbers.

Cooper8’s role included designing the small kitchen for the outlet, ensuring it was both space-efficient and fully equipped to serve high-quality, locally sourced food and beverages. The kitchen design maximised the available space, allowing for smooth operation and the preparation of sandwiches, salads, scones, and cakes, while also providing a well-designed area for hot beverages and seasonal dishes.

The tearoom’s design featured reclaimed oak cladding for the counter and Riven Natural Slate Tile flooring (1200×600), both adding a touch of rustic charm to complement the priory’s heritage. The space was thoughtfully laid out to accommodate 32 covers, both indoor and outdoor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for walkers and visitors alike. The finishes drew inspiration from the William Morris connection within the priory, balancing elegance with the practicality needed for a catering outlet that would also appeal to the ‘muddy boots’ crowd.

Cooper8 ensured that the kitchen and catering outlet were fully integrated into the overall design, meeting both operational needs and visitor expectations, all while enhancing the priory’s historical ambiance.