Knutsford Tea Room celebrates milestone with free birthday cake

The Tea Room in Knutsford is also marking the milestone by welcoming a new manager.

Mum and daughter Sue and Harriet Henry opened their much-loved café in September 2018.

Co-owners Harriet and Sue Henry welcome Patrick Smith as new general manager (Image: The Tea Room)

Patrick Smith, former manager of Corks Out, has now joined the team as general manager.

Co-owners Sue and Harriet Henry will still remain involved in the daily management of the café.

READ > Knutsford Christmas Market returns with lots of festive fun

Patrick said: “I can’t really put into words how nice it is for me to join this business.

“Harriet and I became friends when we were at high school and have basically been inseparable ever since.

“When Harriet and Sue approached me about the position, I didn’t even hesitate. How many people can say they work with their best friend every day?”

Harriet and Sue Henry welcome new general manager and close friend Patrick Smith (Image: The Tea Room)

Patrick said: “I love working in Knutsford, we’ve got a great community here.

“One of the things I really want to do is more events at the Tea Room.

"We’ve got the perfect set-up so we’ll definitely be doing more of those and watch out for something big for Christmas.

“I also have a few new cake recipes that I want to bring in.

The Tea Room is based in Cotton Shop Yard off King Street (Image: The Tea Room)

“More than anything, I just want to build on the successful formula that Sue and Harriet have already built.”

Patrick has a wealth of hospitality experience and is keen to grow the café’s loyal customer base.

Sue said: “Patrick is like family to us because he’s been involved in our lives for such a long time.

“He’s a really nice guy and the customers already love him.

“He’s coming in at a great time. We’ve survived a global pandemic and now it’s onwards and upwards.”

Harriet and Sue Henry celebrate The Tea Room's fourth anniversary with Patrick Smith (Image: The Tea Room)

After four years of trading, Harriet shares her thoughts on how to launch a successful venture in Knutsford.

Harriet said: “If I had to give any advice to a new business starting up, I’d just say – be open to new ideas, but stick to your key values.

“For us, it’s about customer service and looking after the community.

“We are genuinely like an extended part of people’s families.

“We really got to know a lot of customers during the pandemic, chatting across driveways as we delivered afternoon teas really built a lot of bonds.

“It’s lovely to know all your customers by name.

"As soon as you can afford it, bring people in to do things that aren’t your core business.

“It pays dividends to get people doing your accounts, PR etc so you can focus on running the business.”

To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the Tea Room is giving away free slices of birthday cake to lucky winners.

Vouchers for free cake will be placed at random under the saucers of customers' drinks.