THE magic of Alice in Wonderland has come alive in a new business venture after two Flintshire women opened a quirky tearoom.
Ann Gardiner, 37, and Kerri Elston, 26, both of Broughton, opened Madhatter’s Tearoom in Bridge Street Row, Chester, back in April.
And since then the business has been going from strength to strength.
The friends, who previously set up a forensic laboratory at Deeside Industrial Park, are determined to make their tearoom a must-visit spot for locals and visitors.
“We wanted to do something for ourselves,” said Kerri.
“We both love baking and cooking, but we’ve never done it professionally before.”
The tearoom is located in the 350-year-old St Michael’s Rectory and provides Ann and Kerri with an impressive space to develop their business.
Ann said: “The plan was to have a small tearoom, but we saw this property and had to have it. It’s a gem.”
Kerri added: “It gives us never-ending scope to do all the quirky things we can think of.”
Since September last year Kerri and Ann have been collecting vintage teacups, brightly coloured teapots and an array of eclectic items to bring their wonderland to life.
“We don’t want to be just another cafe, we want to be unique,” said Ann.
Visitors to Madhatter’s can enjoy afternoon tea, homemade cakes and a menu which is freshly prepared using local produce.
And those following special diets won’t miss out – Ann and Kerri can serve up something for everyone.
The tearoom also offers tea parties – with or without champagne – and teddy bears picnics for children.
Kerri said: “We cater for everyone. We’ve had a lot of hen party’s coming in.
“We offer cupcake decorating classes and our cocktail cupcakes are very popular.”
Although running their own business means working long days, both Ann and Kerri say they don’t mind it one bit.
“It’s not a chore,” said Ann. “We love it and it’s exciting to think about the future.
“We are always coming up with new ideas. We’re already thinking about our next venture – I can’t see us sitting still.”
