A new tearoom at the grand Smithills Hall has officially opened its doors today (Friday December 16).
Husband and wife of almost 30 years Tim and Anna Worthington decided to open the tearoom after achieving huge success with their Bake & Roast shop on Chorley Old Road.
It all started when Anna took a voluntary redundancy at the Royal Mail when she was working in sales and marketing.
And after a year or so in, Tim took a voluntary severance package.
- ALSO READ: Smithills Hall new tearoom Bake & Roast to open tomorrow
- ALSO READ: New Bake and Roast tearoom comes to Smithills Hall
Anna had always dreamed of working in the food industry.
She added: “We thought it was a now or never moment and we decided to go all in.
“Covid hit four months after opening the shop, but we were open two days a week because of being a food shop.
“People were fantastic and called in for coffee and cakes whilst out walking.”
When the opportunity came up in the summer the couple went through the formal process with the council and had their bid accepted.
Everything served in the tearoom is homemade, and includes a range of sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes and more.
Anna said: “Customers have been fantastic and have supported us from day one.
“We couldn’t be where we are without them.
“We have gone from strength to strength in the last three years.
“We are going to see where it takes us and do more events, working with the council to bring the life back in here.
“I love this building; it’s amazing, with a lot of history, and has so much potential.”
Smithills tearoom will be open for eight days in December and they have a Christmas menu, catering for the meat eater and vegan or vegetarian, as well as a sharing menu, where customers can indulge in a variety of Christmas treats.
Anna says that they have set up a grab and go service for anyone wanting to eat and drink on the move, as well as the huge amount of dog walkers that come through, due to dogs not being allowed in the Grade1 listed building.
Anna and Tim also work with a range of local companies, including Hunters Bakery, Barrons of Beef, Pretzel & Spelt, and more.
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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