A new café based at a 300-year-old mill has opened.

Jo McLennan is the proud new owner of Tea Chest at Mangerton Mill and is celebrating a successful first week.

The café was Maria’s Pantry until it was put up for sale in December 2023.  

Jo, from Pilton in Somerset, took on the premises after falling in love with it while on a break in the area.

She runs a successful business providing care for the elderly in their own homes and wanted to take a step back from its day-to-day running – but couldn’t resist when the café came up for sale.

“It’s such a special place,” said Jo. “It’s so peaceful and quiet – all you can hear is the sound of the water which is quite magical. As a Pisces I felt it was meant to be.”

The café will remain an English tearoom, but, with the help of son Huey, 17, Jo is excited to put her own stamp on the place and ‘offer something different.’

“I noticed everyone here loves cream teas,” she said. “People will queue up at 10am for a cream tea. It’s funny but it’s great.

“We’re serving breakfasts and cream teas, with lunches launched next week. The focus will be on good, quality, seasonal ingredients rather than a huge menu.”

The menu will cater for all, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Asked about opening a new business in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, Jo said: “I haven’t got any fear. We will try it and see if it works – we want to do something different and so far the response has been amazing.

“You worry when taking something on from someone else that people might not be willing to give it a chance but that’s not been the case here. Everyone has been so welcoming – I’ve even had cards from strangers wishing me well. Everyone wants it to be open and everyone I’ve met so far has been lovely and kind.”