In the words of manager Helen Munday, The Bridewell Tearoom at Wymondham Heritage Museum “is buzzing”. It’s more than a coat of paint that’s seen the Tearoom make a booming start to the season. Helen and her team have worked hard to make this cosy café even more inviting.
Opening hours have been increased. Sunday to Wednesday it’s 1pm-4pm but Thursday and Friday refreshments are served from 9am-4pm. Ideal for parents dropping children off at the nearby Browick Road School. And, with takeaway coffee and cake now available, workers, whether working from home or in the office, can pop in and grab a hot drink and snack to sustain them until lunchtime. Saturday opening hours have also been increased and run from 10am-4pm.
There are now two coffee machines dispensing cappuccinos, Americanos and Lattes. Also available is a range of speciality teas plus hot chocolate and the usual selection of soft drinks.
Homemade cakes such as the mouthwatering lemon drizzle sponge are difficult to resist. And the Tearoom has always been renowned for its fresh cheese and fruit scones. Added to the menu this year are toast with butter and jam, toasted teacakes and crumpets.
Most of the chairs have been replaced and new tablecloths have been introduced. Customers can enjoy their refreshments while admiring the artwork by local artists on display. These paintings are for sale, ask at the counter.
Check out the display cabinet with its display of cookbooks your mother had in her kitchen. Do you remember Bero Home Recipes or The Dairy Book of Cooking?
There’s the wishing well and that’s no ordinary piano in the corner. It dates from the 1870s and used to be in The Picture House in the 1930s which stood on Town Green. It accompanied the silent films starring the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
If the weather is fine you can relax with your snack in the Courtyard Garden. This was once where the prison laundry was hung out to dry. Today it is a delightful area away from the daily hustle and bustle. It features the original Wymondham Town Sign and some agricultural implements from yesteryear.
Enter The Bridewell Tearoom from Browick Road or for disabled access, through the museum. Entry is free but it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the museum and discover the history of the town and its people. Normal museum admission prices apply.
The Tearoom is run entirely by volunteers. If you’d like to join the team email thetearoom@whm.org.uk. For other volunteer roles it’s volunteers@t.hewhm.org.uk.
For more information of what to do and see at the museum go to wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk.
