John Antonioy at the Castle Cafe at Barbury CastlePLANS are being made to transform Barbury Castle into a thriving tourist attraction. John Antonioy has taken over the caf at Barbury Castle and wants to attract more people to the area.

He said: "Barbury Castle is the jewel in Wiltshire's crown, but many people have yet to discover it. I aim to change all that."

Mr Antonioy, 38, is running the Castle Caf, formerly the Frog and Spoon, with his wife, Ann, 37, and the help of their four children.

As well as serving refreshments, camping facilities and mountain bike hire are also available.

In the summer Mr Antonioy, originally from Cyrpus, plans to host Greek barbecue nights.

He also hopes to build a conservatory on the premises and apply for a licence to sell alcohol so visitors can sit inside and enjoy their meals with a glass of wine.

He said: "We would like to serve Sunday lunches, which I'm sure would be a hit with hungry walkers and people who simply want to eat with views of wonderful countryside."

Since taking over the premises last December, about £10,000 has been spent on improving the business. The caf has been fitted with a new kitchen and outside seating with parasols.

Mr Antonioy said: "I want the place alive and buzzing with more people. The area has so much potential, which I intend to fulfil."

In 2001 Swindon Council announced it planned to revamp the 2,000-year-old castle site, near Wroughton, as a tourist attraction, complete with visitor centre and walkways.

The Antonioys live on site in a three-bedroom bungalow, formerly occupied by Lynne and Brian Simpson and their three children.

The Simpsons, who ran the Frog and Spoon, had also farmed cattle on adjoining land, called Ridgeway Farm, since 1991.

But Swindon Council said it could not pursue its tourism plans until the agricultural tenancy was discontinued.

In December the Simpsons left the premises after being evicted by the council and ordered to remove their 100 cattle.

John Short, director of Swindon Services, said: "The council is pleased to announce the opening of the new refreshment facility.

"Castle Caf is now open from 10am until dusk every weekday (9am weekends and bank holidays) with a new menu of freshly cooked food and wide range of light refreshments for the whole family."

Derek Smith, 60, who walks his golden retriever, Sam, in the area every day, is pleased with the recent changes.

He said: "This is a breath of fresh air. The caf has really improved and should go from strength to strength."

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