The Creamery at Castle Cary

Award-winning architectural restoration meets bespoke bronze craftsmanship at The Creamery at Castle Cary, a 1912-built milk factory sensitively transformed into a deluxe station café for The Newt.

Heavily inspired by its heritage and close relationship with the railway, this restored Edwardian creamery has been given a new lease of life, embracing the golden age of rail travel while retaining the character and craftsmanship of its industrial past. The project, designed by Stonewood Design and constructed by Ken Biggs Contractors, was recognised with a RIBA South West & Wessex Award in 2026, celebrating the quality of its architectural design and sensitive approach to the historic building.

Originally constructed in red brick, the creamery played a vital role in Somerset’s early 20th-century agricultural economy, with the railway line serving as a lifeline, bringing in milk and sending fresh produce out across the country.

Bespoke thermally broken metal windows and slim-profile doors were designed to fit precisely within the original brickwork openings, echoing the industrial character of the former factory while adding a tactile warmth. With opening transoms, quadilent stays, and curved heads throughout, the new fenestration strikes a harmonious balance between period authenticity and modern refinement.

As part of a restoration focused on a respect for craftsmanship and detail, the use of bronze feels both deliberate and timeless. Its rich, earthy lustre complements the timeworn brick and evoking a sense of permanence. This sensitive reimagining pays homage to the building’s working past while anchoring it firmly in the present as part of The Newt’s continued commitment to thoughtful restoration and sustainable reuse.