Total Foodservice has opened its second depot, in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

The company said the £2.9m, 36,000 sq ft depot would help it deliver an improved and more efficient service to catering customers in the North of England.

It has taken Total Foodservice, whose other depot is in Huddersfield, almost 10 years to bring the depot from drawing board to reality. Eco-friendly additions have been used on the 1.5 acre site to keep energy use low and to recycle natural resources.

The depot was officially opened by Nigel Haworth, the Michelin-starred Ribble Valley chef and BBC2 Great British Menu winner.

Total Foodservice area sales managers Paul Thompson and Damian Ely, who are both trained chefs, marked the opening by serving up a Lancashire twist on traditional tapas with a spread of 18 tapas dishes followed by a dessert, smoothies and a Spanish cheeseboard.

“The pressure was on us, but we relished the opportunity,” said Thompson. “We wanted to impress Nigel by putting together a great menu.”

Simon Howarth, deputy MD of Total Foodservice, added: “We gave our guests a tour of the property and explained how the new facilities will help us deliver an improved and more efficient service. We will be delighted to show any of our customers, old and new, around.”