Now opened a tearoom

[TeaRoomLady]

I’ve been away from the forum for a while as I’ve found premises, refurbished them and opened a tearoom. It’s in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Are there any other hospitality businesses on here?

 

[WaveJumper]

Welcome back after your break. I know there have been several threads over the year on peoples interest in opening either restaurants or coffee shops. I am not in the hospitality industry but I am sure other would love to now how your finding the experience so far.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Well done on your quest

Remember to keep the till ringing!

 

[TeaRoomLady]

Welcome back after your break. I know there have been several threads over the year on peoples interest in opening either restaurants or coffee shops. I am not in the hospitality industry but I am sure other would love to now how your finding the experience so far.

Thanks @WaveJumper Even though this is the third time I’ve done this and I’ve been self employed for over 20 years, I’ve made lots of mistakes. But you can’t plan for everything and we are constantly making little changes and tweaks. We’ve only been open 8 weeks — each week has been better than the previous one. Our afternoon teas, which we’ve just introduced are getting rave reviews. I’m exhausted but feeling positive.

 

[Picture Bute]

Thanks @WaveJumper Even though this is the third time I’ve done this and I’ve been self employed for over 20 years, I’ve made lots of mistakes. But you can’t plan for everything and we are constantly making little changes and tweaks. We’ve only been open 8 weeks — each week has been better than the previous one. Our afternoon teas, which we’ve just introduced are getting rave reviews. I’m exhausted but feeling positive.

About 12 years ago, I did the whole 'I want to open a cafe' thing

I did it for a couple of years and it was ultimately successful, financially, because of factors that were more to do with the way I acquired the property and ultimately disposed of it

What I will say though, is that i never realised how bloody hard work it was going to be !!!!!!

It's the only time in my adult life where I've lost weight without trying and went home shattered every night ???

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Well done for the perseverance and grit in doing this again - good luck.

You mentioned that you have learned a lot and made mistakes. Could you post several bits here so we can all learn a bit - experience is the best teacher!

 

[TeaRoomLady]

About 12 years ago, I did the whole 'I want to open a cafe' thing

I did it for a couple of years and it was ultimately successful, financially, because of factors that were more to do with the way I acquired the property and ultimately disposed of it

What I will say though, is that i never realised how bloody hard work it was going to be !!!!!!

It's the only time in my adult life where I've lost weight without trying and went home shattered every night ???

This made me smile. I have lost weight too without trying. The gym would have been cheaper!

 

[Picture Bute]

This made me smile. I have lost weight too without trying. The gym would have been cheaper!

The only other piece of advice I could give you (other than don't be shy with pricing) is never try to run a café with your spouse

When we had a cafe, I was kitchen, she was FOH. We used to have some hilarious fall outs

During particularly stressed and busy periods, she would come in and say "Are the 2 soups for table 12 ready" or some such thing (knowing full well they weren't) and i would say something like "Yes they are, but I thought it would be better if I didn't tell you ! OFF COURSE THEY'RE NOT F'N READY BUT WHEN THEY ARE, YOU'LL BE THE FIRST ONE I'll F''N TELL".

Ah....miss those days ????

 

[TeaRoomLady]

I tried to share an office with my husband once — disaster! No, I’m running it with my sister. We have clearly defined roles — she’s in the kitchen, I’m FOH. Sometimes she tries to steal my staff, but on the whole, it been OK. But it’s early days….?