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A brand new £1.5m restaurant and coffee house has opened at Longleat.

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The ‘Chameleon Tree’, which gets its name from a tree-like structure in the centre of the building, will provide visitors with an entirely revamped food offering in a spacious and contemporary eating area.

As well as its modern design, customers will be able to enjoy uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling views as well as retaining the original timber beams. A giant photograph of one of Longleat’s most iconic and sadly-missed animals, Nico the gorilla, also features on one of the walls.

The new restaurant can cater for up 420 people inside at any one time - a 40% increase of the previous maximum capacity.

Longleat Food & Beverage Manager, Paul Jackson, says the aim of the new area is to offer visitors wholesome, contemporary comfort food in a welcoming environment.

“The new design makes fantastic use of space and, even though we are able to cater for significantly more customers, the restaurant retains an open and airy feel which is great for visitors and staff alike,” said Paul.

“Our restaurant will offer a selection of freshly-made meals; including rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked meats, exotic tagines, classic favourites and healthy salads.

“There’ll be something to suit every taste and we’re proud to be able to offer many more vegan, gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options than ever before,” he added.

Alongside the restaurant, The Chameleon Tree also features a brand new coffee house. A team of baristas will be on hand to freshly hand-make the perfect cup of coffee, which has been taste-tested by Annual Pass holders along with traditional tea, chai latte, hot chocolate.

The coffee house will also serve handmade sandwiches, wraps, hot pots and salads, alongside a selection of sweet treats which have all been prepared on site.

“By integrating the two areas we’re able to offer visitors a much more seamless experience and provide them with additional flexibility,” said Paul.

“The new layout will also significantly decrease queuing and waiting at busy periods,” he added.

The kitchen areas have also undergone a complete refurbishment and the new design incorporates additional family restrooms.

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Issued by Longleat. For more information and to arrange interviews and filming opportunities please contact Sally Boyce on 01985 845520 or email sally.boyce@longleat.co.uk.

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