Café transformation
19th June 2025
Work is starting to transform the café at Shearwater on the Longleat estate in Wiltshire into a haven for walkers and their dogs.
A commitment to refurbish the café was given by Longleat bosses when work on the lake to protect the historic location for future generations began earlier this year.
A range of “on the go” hot and cold snacks, dog treats, and leisure day essentials will be on the menu at the café when it re-opens next month.
Paul Jackson, Senior Operations Manager at Longleat, said: “We gave a commitment when the long-standing tenant of the café facilities decided not to renew the lease for 2025 that we would ensure there was a new “Longleat” themed food and retail offer on the site.
“As lake and dam repair work comes to an end, we are using the time get the facility ready for the summer break and enable those enjoying the beauty of Shearwater to access refreshments this summer.
“We know it is popular with walkers – with and without dogs – so we will be making sure we stock a range of essentials; it will be an eclectic offer.”
We will also be offering our members those discount benefits enjoyed at Longleat and Cheddar Gorge to further enhance the value of that membership
Recruitment for a dedicated team has been underway, and the new-look café will open on 16 July and be open from 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Shearwater Lake was created by the 1st Marquess of Bath in the 1790s, with later additions by the famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.
The lake is classified under the Reservoir Act 1975 as a Category 1 Reservoir and the repair work was undertaken to meet statutory safety requirements.
