Visitors to Smithills Hall will soon be able to enjoy a cuppa with their culture.

A new pop-up tea room is set to open on July 13, offering afternoon tea, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and ice cream.

The new venture will be managed by family-run SM Restaurants (North West) Ltd, who are already well-established in the borough with a number of restaurants: San Marco and The Willows in Blackrod; Café Italia on Moss Bank Way and La Roma Restaurant in Stoneclough.

The tea room, which will be named Smithills Tea Room, will be situated in the existing shop area of the hall and will be able to seat 40 people.

It will initially operate for a period of six months, at which time the concept will be reviewed by Bolton Library and Museum Services.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Cllr Ebrahim Adia, said: “We were approached by SM Restaurants with the idea of opening a tea room at Smithills Hall and we knew they had a reputation for serving high quality food. The council tries where possible to support local businesses so we have agreed a six month trial period to start with.

“The tea room should be a great asset to Smithills Hall, both for visitors to the hall and to people who just fancy popping in for a drink and to meet friends.”

As well as a full range of food and beverages to enjoy inside the tea room, visitors will also be able to purchase take away options and enjoy a stroll around the grounds or the surrounding area.

Stefano Misserochi, owner of SM Restaurants (North West) Ltd, said "We are delighted to extend our brand by opening Smithills Tea Room in Smithills Hall, which is such a beautiful Bolton landmark. We aim to replicate our family-friendly style and service, serving a selection of traditional favourites from breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas."

David Williams, Chairman of Friends of Smithills Hall, added: “The Friends of Smithills Hall welcome the opening of a tea room by SM Restaurants (North West) Ltd, which will add that extra ingredient and make a visit to the Hall all the more enjoyable.”

Smithills Hall is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and on Sundays noon to 4pm.

The tea room will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm.

It will be up and running in time for Smithills Hall’s annual garden party on Sunday, July 26. The event, from noon to 4pm, will include attractions such as Frozen themed singing workshops, a birds of prey flying display by Rapid Raptors, Bolton FM, live music, craft and food stalls.  There will also be storytelling in a giant peach to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge.

For more information on Smithills Hall, visit www.boltonlams.co.uk