Penrith’s hidden gem, the Garden Tea Room in the heart of the town, is attracting more lovers of freshly baked cakes, traybakes and scones.
The quirky tearoom, which is also a popular ice cream parlour looks on to the town’s bandstand and has a hidden garden, all of which attracted the new owners Aaron Yeates and Sandra Ottewell.
After both working in the catering industry since leaving school, Aaron and Sandra were looking to run their own business, and the Garden Tea Room was the first they visited and fell for.
Former Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and Kendal College student Aaron explained: “I trained as a pastry chef and have worked in hotels across the Lake District.
“Sandra and I were working together for a local bakery when we decided to look for our own business. When we came into the Garden Tea Room, and saw the hidden garden as well, we knew it was the right place for us.”
Sandra is also a trained chef. Originally from Moffat but now living in Penrith, she is also gluten intolerant, which has led to her creating beautiful gluten free cakes and bakes to offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Aaron and Sandra reopened the Garden Tea Room in Corn Market, Penrith, at the end of September last year and since opening have seen a steady increase in customers – they are building up a loyal group of regular locals, as well as visitors.
Aaron said: “We did some redecorating and have added sun shade sails to the garden in preparation for the summer sun. We realised it was a quiet time of year to start the business, but it has been a busy few months.”
Alongside their cakes and traybakes, made fresh on site, Aaron and Sandra are making soups, sandwiches, paninis and offer a takeaway menu. The Garden Tea Room keeps its customers updated on daily menus via Facebook and Instagram pages, giving the daily soup and cake choices.
They are gaining a great reputation for their fruit and cheese scones, sold warm, straight from the oven – including gluten free options.
Though a tea room, they also sell quality coffee, from Carlisle bean roasters John Watt and Son. They are also offering gifts for the person who has everything, with gift vouchers an option.
Aaron added: “We are very grateful to our local customers, especially our regulars. And we are looking forward to half-term, Easter and the summer here, as we are a very family-friendly tearoom.”
