THE tea rooms at Highcliffe Castle will remain closed for up to two months, as part of ongoing refurbishment works.

And when they reopen, they'll have a new name -The Castle Kitchen - after a secret ballot was held earlier this month.

This ballot, held by new operator Aramark UK in conjunction with Christchurch Borough Council, asked castle volunteers to pick their favourite name from a list of five.

Among the names failing to make the cut were Lady Waterford's Pantry, and The Cliffe Kitchen.

Christchurch council acting leader Cllr David Flagg said: "We are pleased to be working with the new operator of the team rooms at Highcliffe Castle. The vision they have for the future of the team room is very exciting and we hope visitors will enjoy the new offer once the refurbishment is complete."

Throughout the duration of the works refreshments will be available at the castle courtesy of a new mobile van.

A statement from Aramark UK read: "We are very excited about working at this truly unique site in such a refined location.

"The director who will be responsible for the management of the site lives in Poole, and we are deeply committed to investing our time, energy and wealth of experience in investing in The Castle Kitchen."

The Castle Kitchen is expected to open by the end of May.