The tearoom at an historic hall applied for a late night alcohol licence – but residents in the high-end homes across the road are against the idea. 

Bake & Roast opened at Smithills Hall towards the end of last year when Anna Worthington and Tim Worthington won the right to run the site.

The Worthingtons, who have been married for almost 30 years, want to add to the success of their artisan shop of the same name which has been in business since 2018.

At the start of this year, the couple applied for a late night alcohol licence, an application which is up for consideration by the council this week.

READ MORE: Bolton: New tearoom comes to Smithills Hall.

They want to be able to open almost all day, every day and to be able to sell alcohol for consumption on site and off site throughout these hours.

In the application, the couple insisted the intention is to be open at the same time as the hall and museum, between the regular hours of 10am and 4pm, with the longer hours for functions and other, one-off events.

The Bolton News:

But residents in the high-end homes across the road are against the idea for a number of reasons.

One resident in the Coaching House, itself a grade-II listed which was turned into luxury lodges a number of years ago, said there were issues with 'anti-social behaviour' and 'drink and drug paraphernalia' already.

READ MORE: Bolton: Smithills Hall's Bake & Roast opens.

They said: "There is already a problem with anti-social behaviour around the hall, the hall grounds and the car park next to the Coaching House. 

"We do not need an introduction of alcohol into the area where crime and disorder could be facilitated – drink and drug paraphernalia are already a problem."

The application addresses these concerns and stresses alcohol is not 'the primary purpose of the tearoom'.

It is to be sold as an accompaniment to meals on site, and as part of items like pre-packed picnics off site.

The application reads: "Additionally, no budget or cut-price alcohol products will be stocked, so reducing the availability of these products from a financial perspective. 

"There will be no promotion of alcohol products which either glamourises alcohol consumption or links to antisocial or criminal behaviour in a positive manner," it adds. 

Built in the 14th century, with additions from Tudor and Victorian times, Smithills Hall is one of the oldest manor houses in the North West.

A decision is due on the late night alcohol licence on Friday.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.