NOW that every job's been done, the new Poppins at Smithills has opened its doors.

Set in the historic hall, the Mary Poppins-themed tea room is already proving a hit.

Manager and self-confessed Poppins fan, Michelle Delacruz is running the traditional English tea room with her husband, chef Tony.

Chimney sweeps and nannies can sample a variety of cakes, teas and hot meals, including the popular soup and a sandwich.

The tea rooms reopened to the public on Wednesday and Mrs Delacruz has been delighted with the response from customers so far.

She said: "Customers are so pleased for it to be back open and we've had a lot of bookings already."

The old cafe at Smithills Hall closed before Christmas and Mr and Mrs Delacruz were chosen from more than 30 applicants for the venue.

On the menu are items including The Poppins Club Sandwich, The Pearly Special grilled sandwich and Mr Banks' Afternoon Tea.

There is also the Jane and Michael Afternoon Tea for children.

The tea menu has more than 20 loose leaf options to choose from and aside from Yorkshire Tea, all the options are by Ronnefeldt... and many are perfect with a spoonful of sugar!

The tea rooms serve a range of cakes, including Death by Chocolate and Red Velvet and its afternoon teas feature a range of miniature delicacies.

Mrs Delacruz hopes to introduce a Champagne Afternoon Tea, as the cafe is licensed, and a cosy winter menu later in the year.

The couple already run a cafe in Lee Lane, the Poppins tearoom.

Mrs Delacruz said: "We've been open about two years in Horwich and it's gone from strength to strength."

Janice Grundy, aged 63, visited the new cafe with her daughter and grandchildren.

She was thrilled to see Manchester Tart on the menu, something she had not had since her school days.

Mrs Grundy said: "It's a lovely setting and you can bring the children. They can go out and have a run around while you have a well deserved cup of tea.

"I love Smithills, it's one of Bolton's iconic places."

Poppins at Smithills hopes to organise a grand official opening event in the near future.

REPORTER'S VERDICT:
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the tea rooms, the large room was filled with light from the wide windows and many of the tables were already occupied. 

When you walk in you're greeted with a display case of cakes and tarts and more bakes lined a nearby counter.

The eager staff were bustling around in their quaint Edwardian-inspired uniforms, bringing teas, cakes and toasties to customers. 

I was lucky enough to try a jam and cream scone and a number of other sugary delicacies. I couldn't fault them, practically perfect.