University Lecturer Takes Over 70-Year-Old Copeland Tea Rooms with Daughter
A renowned tourism lecturer from Cumbria, Dr. Angela Anthonisz, alongside her daughter Jess, 29, has recently acquired the Woodlands Tea Room and Gift Shop in Santon Bridge. This charming tea room, which has been serving visitors for almost seven decades, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
The Woodlands Tea Room and Gift Shop began its journey as a small garden shed where the owners would serve flasks of tea to weary hikers. Over time, it grew in popularity and became a beloved spot nestled in a picturesque woodland area, attracting tourists from all corners of the UK.
Growing up in the area, Angela was very familiar with the tea rooms and, sharing her passion for hospitality and arts and crafts with her daughter, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to embark on a new venture together.
Angela expressed her excitement, saying, Jess will be running the show most of the time, and she and I are really looking forward to breathing new life into this place.
Their purchase of the tea room came at a time when the previous owners, who had been grappling with the challenges posed by successive Covid lockdowns, were looking to sell. Despite the considerable interest from other potential buyers, Angela and Jess were able to impress the previous owners with their unique vision for the tea room.
Angela shared their plans, stating, We wanted to provide children’s arts and craft workshops since Jess has a teaching qualification and a background in design. With numerous nearby campsites and self-catering holiday cottages, we aim to create a space where parents can relax with a cup of tea and a slice of cake while their children engage in creative activities.
In addition to expanding their opening hours and offering breakfast options, Angela and Jess have also planned theme nights to cater to both the local community and tourists.
While Angela will continue her role as a university lecturer, providing support to the tea room, Jess will oversee the day-to-day operations of the tea room and gift shop.
Angela also expressed her desire to promote tourism in the county, specifically highlighting the opportunity to draw visitors’ attention beyond the popular Lake District destinations of Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere. The Woodlands Tea Room and Gift Shop is well-positioned to contribute to the growth of the local economy, and the duo has already received encouraging feedback from locals.
Steeped in history, the Woodlands Tea Room and Gift Shop first opened its doors in 1954 as a humble shed. It has since blossomed into two spacious cabins surrounded by serene woodland, located near the enchanting river Irt and a short drive from Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
Under the new management, the Woodlands Tea Room and Gift Shop is set to embark on an exciting chapter, offering visitors a delightful combination of relaxation, arts and crafts activities, and unforgettable culinary experiences. With Angela and Jess at the helm, the tea room is bound to thrive and continue enchanting visitors for many more years to come.
