One of Ruddington’s much-loved hospitality venues has reopened today under new management – and also with a more contemporary, new look.
The Old Bakehouse Tearoom on Church Street had been closed since the start of July to allow for repairs and alterations to the interior by its new owner Eve Kirk. She took over the reigns from Lesley Wells during this summer due to Lesley’s retirement. Eve is pictured above (centre) with new staff members Jess (left) and Serena (right), who both live in Ruddington.
Eve explains: “I worked in a cafe for seven years until I was made redundant due to COVID last year. It was a blessing in disguise as it gave me the opportunity to open my own place. I had been looking for about ten months at other cafes and tearooms. When I viewed ‘The Old Bakehouse’ it was my favourite by far. It had plenty of potential – and the chance to have somewhere in Ruddington was too good of an opportunity to miss out on.”
She still wanted it to be a tearoom, but with more a modern twist – catering for a wider customer base – so she set to work on an internal refurbishment. In the end this took just a little bit longer than anticipated! “We’ve had a new toilet fitted as well as all new taps including in the kitchen. There’s a new ceiling and we had one of the walls boarded and plastered. We’ve done quite a lot to the electrics – having many new plug sockets fitted – new lights and lots of unused electrical boxes removed. There is a new worktop on the counter as well as everywhere being repainted. We’ve also got new tables, chairs, plates, etc” says Eve.
The first customers arrived bright and early this morning (Thursday 9th September) to take a look at what’s been done with the premises and to sample the new cuisine. Eve adds: “On the menu are traditional afternoon teas, breakfasts, paninis, pasta, etc. Of course, there are many homemade cakes, too! I’m offering everything on the menu as takeaway, all in eco friendly packaging. We’re really looking forward to welcoming our customers, old and new!”
Former owner, Lesley Wells, says: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in my nine years of running the tearoom for all the support, laughter and fun we have all had. You welcomed me into your village and shared my dream. I hope you have enjoyed the tearoom. I miss all the people I have met already but it’s my time for retirement and a new chapter in my life begins. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone – and I am hoping it is only the start for the tearoom and it goes on serving the community of Ruddington.”
Lesley continues: “A big thank you to all the staff over the years, Leiske, Karen, Johnny, Leah, Debbie, Amber, Charlotte, Anna, Liam S, Ewen, Christine and Liam B and, of course, my fabulous husband John who has worked hard and supported me always behind the scenes. Love always!”
The Old Bakehouse Tearoom is now open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4pm, at 58, Church Street.
