THE café that ran at Smithills Hall was excellent – a sentiment agreed by many.

The company that ran it, initially on a six-month trial in 2015, made a great success of it. The food and service were good, the facility helped revive interest in this historic hall and its attractions.

It was never properly explained why the café closed so I hope it wasn’t because business wouldn’t sustain it. Now, Bolton Council is actively seeking a new café operator there and let’s hope they succeed.

The combination of food and drink and accessible history was a menu enjoyed by all.