JTO Vintage and The Old Bank Tea Rooms has been open for just over a year and what a massive success this has been for owner Diane and also a huge plus for Helsby.
I arrived early morning just as freshly baked scones were being dropped off, warm and smelling delicious, straight from the oven. Three local bakers provide all of the wonderful cakes, flapjacks, gingerbreads and scones. Popular demand certainly keeps them all extremely busy! One of the bakers specialises in gluten free cakes, which are prepared and cooked in a completely gluten free environment.
Prior to JTO Vintage & The Old Bank Tea Rooms, Diane had two units at Lady Heyes Craft Centre. Specialising in up-cycled, shabby chique vintage furniture, which went very well but Diane envisaged larger premises where she could utilise her beautiful collection of vintage cups and saucers that she had collected over the years, by providing a few tables for tea and cake whilst people browsed. Having taken on the premises in Helsby, Diane imagined customising furniture at the rear of the property whilst a customer or two enjoyed the hospitality at the front, the patronage obviously had other ideas as it has now become THE place to meet up and the ‘hub’ of the village. Wow, the tea room has exploded and Diane readily admits that she never envisaged this amount of tables!
Originally drinks and cakes were on offer but due to public demand toasted fruit loaf and crumpets soon followed and then soup, savoury tartlets (also baked locally), and paninis served with salad leaves, dressing and chutneys were greatly received as a lunchtime option.
And so, once again more space was needed.
Luckily Diane was able to utilise the adjoining outdoor space and garage, which provides a superb area to display more furniture and also the perfect place to call in for refreshments if you are out walking the dog. Cyclists are also regular visitors. A lovely touch is the hot water bottles that are provided for those braving the elements! In addition, the decking and garden area has a sandpit and other toys and Diane is keen to advance this further next summer.
Inside there is also a play corner for children, who can entertain themselves with the wooden farm and colouring while mum enjoys a cuppa.
Many high school and pre-high school pupils regularly meet up here at the end of the day. It’s an ideal place for children who are starting to have a bit of independence; parents often pick them up from JTO Vintage & The Old Bank Tea Rooms rather than school. Diane is quick to point out how well behaved and polite they are. The staff affectionately call them ‘The Rocky Roaders’ because of their love of a particular cake that also goes by that name. Harry’s Milk Shakes are also very popular, another local producer who was in 2011 Big Brother!
The spotless café tables are surrounded with shelves groaning with gorgeous gifts and homeware, lots of individual pieces, mostly from clever local craft people and any that are bought in wholesale are of a limited number so that the range is forever changing.
There’s gifts, toys, books and puzzles for children - perfect for birthday parties and Christmas stocking fillers and also party bags.
Silver jewellery which is handmade locally, gem stone and antique pieces are nicely displayed and I just love the Susie Watson Designs collection of handmade pottery and kitchen accessories. Beautiful cushions, aprons, candles and crockery. As a stockist, Diane can order in any specific item from the Susie Watson range and catalogues are available to browse through.
“Little Cotton Frocks’ are delightful dresses for children aged 0-9 years, all created locally by Kath Shingler.
Several local people work in the shop, many of whom have been a friend of Diane’s for years, she also relies on an army of helpers who help out when needed, washing up, clearing the tables and packing up at the end of the day. It’s such a friendly, happy place to work.
Upstairs is Helsby Holistics, a lovely restful room, Emi provides a range of treatments to help improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
We are so lucky to have this gem on our doorstep and as the writing on the wall says...
There’s always time for cake!
