The new owners of a traditional tea room have been getting out their very best china to celebrate.
Debbie Johnson and Karen Patrick have taken over Riseley Village Tea Room as joint business partners.
For 10 years the establishment was run by Swallowfield Parish Council, and managed by Pam Wright.
The then not-for-profit organisation was originally conceived as a hub for the community.
Setting up an afternoon tea business enabled residents in 2012 to save their Memorial Hall and inject life into the village.
“The tea room has always been a community resource,” said Debbie Johnson.
“When Pam decided to retire this year, she and the parish council hoped someone would take it on as a business.
“Karen and I were delighted to team up as joint owners.
“We signed, and two days later we opened.
“It’s wonderful to be here.
“We love the tea room, and we want to keep it familiar, so we’ve changed very little.”
Debbie and Karen both had prior community catering experience: at St Michael’s Church, Spencers Wood, and at St Catherine’s Café Siena, Tilehurst.
“And during the pandemic, I set up my own cream tea business, dropping off everything needed for a special event on people’s doorsteps,” said Debbie.
“It was great preparation for running the tea room.”
Both managers are very keen to remain a hub for the community.
“It may be a business now, rather than a not-for-profit organisation, but we still want to be welcoming and inclusive,” said Debbie.
“The tea room will continue to be somewhere people can meet and chat, and where local crafts people can continue to sell their produce.
“We have a silversmith, greetings card creators, soft toy makers, people who knit for a children’s ward, and Ukrainian women making jewellery.”
Debbie and Karen have plans to increase opening hours in future.
“At the moment we are open from Thursday through to Sunday, from 2pm until 5pm,” said Debbie.
“We’re currently taking bookings only, but as we settle in we’d like to open for people to make drop-in visits on Wednesdays, too.”
Riseley Village Tea Room serves traditional full afternoon tea, with scones, cakes, and home made sandwiches.
“Everything is fresh every day,” said Debbie.
“Our scones are baked according to my grandmother’s traditional Women’s Institute recipe.”
There is also a wide selection of loose leaf speciality teas, and cakes to take away.
“We’ve had some lovely comments in the visitors book,” said Debbie.
“Long time regulars are being very supportive, and new customers are enjoying coming here too.”
For information and to book afternoon tea, visit: www.riseleyvillagetearoom.co.ukor Riseley Village Tea Room’s Facebook page.
