Horwich: Poppins Tea Rooms refunds not given to customers

Poppins Tea Rooms on Lee Lane in Horwich announced on January 21 that it was to shut its doors permanently. 

The popular café, themed around the classic 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins, was well known for its distinctive decor and crockery. 

When management announced its closure earlier this year, they promised refunds to those who bought vouchers. 

However, customers are saying that they have not yet been refunded. 

A statement at the time said: “With a heavy heart, we must announce the closure of Poppins Tea Rooms due to personal reasons and difficult times.

“It has been a hard decision for everyone concerned, but we would like to thank all of our wonderful customers over the years, our friends, and our staff both current and previous.

“Deposits and gift vouchers will be refunded in due course.

The tea room has now closed (Image: Poppins Tea Rooms)

“We thank you for your understanding.” 

Lorraine Bowcock, 56, is one of their customers who bought a voucher. 

She said: "I only bought the voucher on December 23 for my 91-year-old mother in law as a Christmas treat - but surely if you are in trouble, you would know you are at that point. 

"When they first announced it, I thought well that's that, money up the swanny.

"But then they promised everyone a refund if we sent proof of purchase. 

Read more: Beloved tea room announces permanent closure 'with a heavy heart' 

Read more: Owner of popular town centre bar and restaurant issues statement after 'closure'

"I didn't expect anything, if a business goes bust and you have a voucher, that's tough isn't it. So I thought that's nice of them, but it seems it has been false promises - now you can't get hold of them. 

"Why did they go to the trouble of doing it, they didn't have to say that did they?" 

Lorraine added: "I had been before, when it was at Smithills Hall. It was a really nice place, especially somewhere to take an elderly lady, nice china cups and things like that." 

She added she has heard other people who also bought vouchers have not been refunded. 

Poppins Tea Rooms, on Lee Lane, Horwich (Image: Poppins Tea Rooms)

Booth Associates of Horwich handled Poppins' accounts. 

A spokesperson said: "I don't think we have had any contact with them, we are not acting for them anymore. 

"I don't think we have managed to get in touch with them either." 

She added that she "had no idea" if the business had declared bankruptcy. 

Cllr David Grant of Horwich South and Blackrod said: "They may need to pay other people first and be working their way down to those who bought vouchers. 

"Depending on how the vouchers were paid for, customers could always do a charge back if paid by card, it is different for ones paid for by cash. 

"But I hope they would do the honourable thing and adhere to their promise." 

The company information for Poppins Tea Rooms on Companies House says there is an "active proposal to strike off", which means the company must settle all its outstanding debts before it can be dissolved. 

The Bolton News has attempted to make contact with Poppins Tea Rooms for comment.