Popular Smithills Hall tea room to re-open with new Mary Poppins theme - Poppins at Smithills

‘Poppins at Smithills’ will serve snacks and sweet treats at the annual Smithills Hall Garden Party this Sunday, as a taster of what customers can expect ahead of it opening fully later this month.

The new venture will be an extension of the already popular Poppins Tearooms, in Lee Lane, Horwich, whose owners were selected from more than 30 applicants who wanted to take over the popular venue.

Customers were shocked when SM Restaurants (North West) Ltd, which operates a number of cafes around Bolton, decided to cease operations at the Smithills Hall cafe before Christmas.

The tea room had proved a big hit since opening in summer 2015 and Bolton Council launched a search for a new operator to reopen the site earlier this year.

Mary Poppins film (1964)

Tony and Michelle Delacruz, from Poppins Tearooms, said: “Poppins is bringing an elegant Victorian tearoom to the historic surroundings of Smithills Hall, complete with loose leaf teas, freshly brewed coffee, breakfasts, light lunches, sweet treats and especially our famous afternoon teas.

“We look forward to bringing the people of Bolton and afar a taste of traditional indulgence in beautiful surroundings.”

The menu will include a range of afternoon tea options, including the Poppins High Tea, Mr Banks’ Afternoon Tea, and Bert’s Cream Tea, as well as a selection of sandwiches, light lunches and desserts.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for culture, youth and sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “We are pleased to welcome Poppins to Smithills Hall and I think their Mary Poppins style of tearoom will go down a treat with visitors.

“When we tendered for a new operator for the tearoom at Smithills we had over 30 applicants, but were particularly impressed with Poppins’ quality and value for money. I’m sure they’ll be practically perfect in every way.”

The cafe will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 4.30pm. Its full opening date is not yet confirmed.