Barningham's 'hidden gem' cooks up a national accolade

BRIDES and grooms have judged a dale outfit as one of the best wedding caterers in the business.

Coghlans at Barningham has been shortlisted as a regional finalist at the National Wedding Awards for its catering services.

Owners Janet and Andrew Coghlan found out about the nomination last week which was compiled using feedback from married couples.

Mrs Coghlan said: “If you think there are companies from all over the north of England to get down to the last three when we’re tucked away in Barningham is brilliant.”

Mr and Mrs Coghlan have backgrounds in food, catering and the hospitality industry which span decades.

They have both run hotels in Birmingham and Derbyshire before starting their catering business.

Their Barningham bakery branch opened in 2016 and has grown to employ 15 part time staff during wedding season. Mrs Coghlan added: “It’s really nice because everybody works so hard – it’s a team effort so it’s some nice credit for all the staff.

“It gives them such a buzz and makes all the hard work and long day worthwhile to know they’ve been appreciated.”

The firm has provided food and refreshment for weddings at Rudby Hall, near Stokesley, as well as a number of events up and down the dale.

Mrs Coghlan said the team’s service and attention to detail were what she thought made its services stand out.

The 52-year-old added: “When people leave the wedding and you know that on their special day you’ve managed to go beyond their expectations – it’s always really nice to hear.

“They’ve often planned their weddings for years and built it up so for them to say that is always really good.”

Coghlan’s provided bread and baked goods to a number of shops in the dale and has also been touted to play a role in the proposed revamp of the Milbank Arms. Its new tea room has also prove a hit with villagers and visitors alike this year. Mrs Coghlan added: “We had a letter from a lady who said it was ‘a hidden gem of the dale’ which was quite nice.” The village firm was due to find out whether it had been crowned a winner in the North East and Yorkshire catering category on Monday evening (November 6).