The Orangery at Blenheim Palace reopens after £2m restoration

Head of built heritage at Blenheim Palace, Kelly Whitton, said the restoration was "extremely important"

An 18th Century restaurant at Blenheim Palace has reopened for visitors after undergoing a £2m restoration project.

The Orangery's glass ceiling has been replaced with timber and slate as part of a plan to return the Oxfordshire venue back to its original design.

The eatery offers afternoon teas, Sunday roasts, corporate meetings and weddings in its unique setting.

The palace's head of built heritage said the work had been "integral" to its 10-year goals.

The Orangery's glass roof, which was last repaired in the 1970s, needed entirely replacing

Over the centuries, The Orangery has had various uses, including as a greenhouse where oranges and lemons were grown over the winter months, a theatre, offices, an art gallery and now a restaurant.

Its 19th Century glass roof, last repaired in the 1970s, had come to the end of its natural life and needed entirely replacing.

The restoration team worked closely with Historic England to ensure the work, materials and the architecture remained sympathetic to architect John Vanbrugh's original design before a fire broke out in 1861.

The venue, which features locally sourced ingredients and fresh fruits and vegetables from the palace's own kitchen garden, has undergone a complete internal makeover as well.

The restoration works to replace the restaurant's glass ceiling with timber and slate cost £2m

Kelly Whitton, head of built heritage at Blenheim Palace, said the restoration project was "extremely important" and "integral to our plan to achieve our 10-year goals".

Ms Whitton, who is also leading the palace's Flagstaff restoration, added that the choice to rebuild the roof with timber and slate aimed to adapt the building to "an ever-changing climate".

"Slate combined with modern insulation will be a far more effective insulator than glass, saving energy which is a huge factor in our ambitions to become a net generator of green energy," she said.

"We know our visitors will be delighted that The Orangery is reopening and it's important that we thank every ticket and annual pass holder for supporting Blenheim Palace as this vital work couldn't have been completed without your donations."

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