A RYEDALE delicatessen is hosting a grand opening this weekend following a £750,000 refurbishment.

Thomas the Baker has refurbished its Helmsley deli to consolidate the two Thomas’ stores within the town. The deli now also incorporates the Thomas the Baker bakery, which was previously based across the Market Place.

To celebrate the changes, which will allow Thomas of Helmsley to offer a much wider range of products, an official opening will take place in store all day.

The event will see demonstrations and samplings from celebrity chef Stephanie Moon.

Stephanie, who is a Yorkshire farmer’s daughter, has worked in kitchens across the world, including The Dorchester, where she cooked for the Queen, and Harrogate’s Rudding Park.

She now regularly works with Thomas the Baker to help create recipes for both the deli and the firm’s chain of 30 bake shops.

She will be assisted by the deli’s team of in-house experts who will be on hand to answer questions and give tips and advice to customers.

Visitors should notice a big difference to the Thomas of Helmsley building, the listed part of which dates back to the 1800s. Thomas the Baker has owned the business since 2010.

John Thomas, founder of Thomas the Baker, said: “It should be great fun, and Stephanie and the team will make sure there’s plenty of tasty treats on offer and no doubt pan loads of inspiration.”

“Our new facilities mean we can offer many more ready-to-eat products, so it will be good to let people try them for themselves.

“During the day we will also be running competitions for younger shoppers to win prizes, so there’s something for all ages.”