Bryony Cowley Competition Winner
At just seven years old, budding baker Bryony Cowley from Brockham has won the National Trust’s ‘design a cake’ competition for Polesden Lacey.
The competition was held to mark the opening of the newly refurbished Granary Café, which is located in the beautiful surroundings of Polesden’s country estate in Great Bookham.
Bryony’s design was a creative interpretation of the stunning, yellow painted mansion at Polesden. She said, “I love coming [to Polesden] with my family, the big house feels like a magical place.” Her Disney castle-like design certainly reflects the majestic feel of Polesden.
Bryony, her mum and some school friends were treated to a tea party at the café where Bryony was presented with the cake she designed and a National Trust gift voucher.
The Granary Café’s new look was inspired by the building’s original use as a working store room for hay and corn.
Tim Hook, Catering Development Manager, explained, “We wanted to create a softer, warmer, more sociable atmosphere in the café, but also draw upon Polesden Lacey’s heritage for inspiration. Research from our archives showed a 1905 drawing by Poynter showing the building originally used as a corn and hay store, with red brick walls. The new café has bank seating with hessian covers, an island table to display fresh herbs and items such as grain shovels, all with a warm deep red and cream colour scheme.”
The Café will serve a variety of seasonal hot food made from locally sourced ingredients.
Sara Stone, Commercial Support Consultant for the National Trust says, “We hope to transform more of our cafes to reflect what is happening on the High Street and to keep up with what visitors expect.”
Click here to find out more about Polesden Lacey
