A DEPARTMENT store in Northallerton has celebrated the £400,000 refurbishment of its restaurant with one of its oldest former staff members.
Anne Coward, who turned 100 in June, came to open Barkers new restaurant – a place where she worked as a cook for 23 years after joining the company in 1970 aged 55, until she retired at 78.
Joined by Guy Barker, the 26-year-old son of managing director Charles Barker and the latest generation to join the family business, Mrs Coward helped Barkers celebrate the past and the future at the unveiling of its revamped first-floor venue.
Mollie Winspear with daughter Kate, Melanie Barker and Jenny Clark
The luxurious new 180-seater restaurant, with new flooring, lighting, counters, chairs and entrance, along with an area selling gift food, biscuits and sweet and savoury treats is now open to the public.
Mrs Coward said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my 23 years cooking at Barkers and the friendships I formed with colleagues, which is why I didn’t retire until the age of 78.
“I got so much satisfaction from cooking for customers during my time at Barkers. I was delighted and honoured to be asked to perform the opening ceremony.”
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