A CAFE is stepping back in time as it undergoes refurbishment.

Work is currently underway at the Otterburn Mill café, where visitors will be able to explore the history of the Waddell family, who successfully ran the business for over 150 years from the day the mill was leased to William Waddell in 1821.

The refurbishment includes redecorating in heritage colours, as well as the installation of industrial style lighting and new flooring.

The business will be getting new furniture in traditional, patterned fabrics reflective of Otterburn Mill's history.

Hexham Courant: Part of the refurbished Otterburn Mill cafe.Part of the refurbished Otterburn Mill cafe.

Filled with trinkets from its days as a working mill, there will also be historical displays available for visitors to learn about the achievements of each of the Waddell's who ran the business and ensured it made its mark on the industry - including the introduction of new dyes from far-away lands, the installation of powerful machinery to allow for bulk manufacturing, and the opening of a second mill in Carlisle.

The business' most successful product is the Otterburn Pram Rug, which was created at the request of Buckingham Palace in 1926 following the birth of Princess Elizabeth.

After this, international demand for Otterburn Mill product grew, and Otterburn Tweed was used by leading fashion houses and featured in magazines such as Vogue throughout the 1930s.

Hexham Courant: Historical artefacts which will be on show at Otterburn Mill cafe.Historical artefacts which will be on show at Otterburn Mill cafe.

The first stage of the refurbishment work has been completed with a new servery installed, and the main servery area redecorated.

The remaining work is due to be completed over the next few weeks.

Current owner, Euan Pringle, said: "We'd like to thank Northumberland County Council for the assistance provided through the Northumberland Covid Recovery Grant, which has given us the opportunity to share more of our history with people."

The café is open from 9am-4pm, seven days a week, and will remain open throughout the refurbishment.