ART and food have been combined to great effect at a Melksham gallery/café which is celebrating its six-month anniversary.

The Arthouse Café, in the Market Place, has already showcased the work of more than 70 artists, as well as feeding and watering numerous customers and art enthusiasts.

The business, owned by Sue Drew, got off to a good start as soon as it was launched and has gone from strength to strength.

Offering an extensive food and drinks menu, it caters for a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements.

"We have a menu with hot dishes and things like quiche, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and baguettes," said Mrs Drew.

"Gluten-free diets are also catered for, which is very important because not many places offer this option still, and we've had a lot of very positive feedback about it.

"The menu is seasonal really, in the summer we had a lot of salads and things like that, whereas now we've got more hot dishes."

The artwork on display in the café is changed each month, and has featured a whole range of different styles of art, from photographs to textiles.

An area of the gallery is also devoted to work produced by local schools, which encourages children to visit the café with their parents and grandparents.

Mrs Drew said: "We have people of all ages coming in, and we get quite a lot of people with young children because we've got good access for buggies and prams.

"What makes it special is that it's something a bit different, and we find a lot of people just like to come in have a browse around the gallery and then have a coffee."

A wide range of hot and cold drinks are available, such as hot chocolate, cappuccinos and teas, and treats including cakes and ice cream are always popular.

The café uses Fairtrade products and locally-sourced fresh produce.

Smaller portions for children and those with a smaller appetite are also available on request.

FACT FILE:
  • Arthouse Cafe, Market Place, Melksham
  • (01225)704761
  • Open Monday- Saturday 10am-4.30pm
  • Regularly updated art gallery
  • Wide range of food and drink
  • Good access for the disabled and mothers with prams