One of Nottinghamshire's maddest cafes is going up for sale after 10 years of tea and scones in colourful and quirky Alice in Wonderland surroundings. Owner Nygel Stevenson is hanging up his hat at Madhatters, a whimsical tearoom in Kimberley decked out with Alice, the White Rabbit, a pink flamingo and playing cards.
He said: "I am gutted about letting my dream tearoom go, but the time is right for me. I have made so many friends over the counter who will remain in my life. I will miss all of the lovely customers. I like to think that I have created a community within a community and would dearly love to see that continue... maybe on the other side of the counter enjoying a latte."
The tearoom, popular for its homemade cakes, scones and sausage rolls, first opened in 2012 in Main Street and after three years of successful trading moved to its current home in James Street. Nygel said: "It moved to a Victorian cobbled street in an old Co-op shop - so fitting for a vintage tearoom. The business, branding and theme was built from scratch.
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"It went from strength to strength, then Covid hit so we switched to deliveries and collections and set up a gift shop very quickly." Madhatters celebrated its tenth birthday in February. Nygel added: "After surviving and coming out the other side and going through health scares, it is time for me to hang my hat up. The search for a new owner has begun, during this time it's very much business as usual with the same love and care."
Customers love the decor and food but it's the host and staff who get the most praise in reviews. One frazzled mum with a newborn baby and toddler, who visited with a friend for lunch, said: "Nygel and Madhatters cafe make Kimberley a very special place."
She praised the warm welcome, adding: "There were colouring sheets and pencil crayons ready for the girls and Nygel made sure to say hello. The decor is stunning, the girls loved the Alice in Wonderland theming and the babies loved the pretty lighting. It’s such a special atmosphere!
"We all ordered some drinks and sandwiches which arrived very quickly and beautifully presented (my daughter’s was on a heart-shaped plate which she loved). It was all lovely, gorgeous food and plenty of it for hungry mums and children. Nygel also made sure to have some amazing calming music playing which we all thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Overall it was a perfect lunch. We felt welcomed and very well looked after. The food was delicious and the girls were entertained."
Another customer, who had afternoon tea, commented: "The food was delicious and very generous! There was something for everyone in our party. The setting was super cool, and my daughter was fascinated the whole time. It definitely felt like you were in Wonderland.
"The staff were very friendly and made the experience extra special. This is definitely the place to visit if you’re in the area! We hope to be back someday."
The business hasn't been listed with a property agency and Nygel is dealing with inquiries himself at nygel73@me.com
