The future of a much-loved tearoom at one of Notts' most scenic spots is in doubt after 30 years. The owners of Ollerton Watermill Teashop, on the edge of Sherwood Forest, have spoken about their fears during the current economic struggle.
The family-run business always closes during the winter but usually reopens in time for Mother's Day. But this year it will remain closed, on Sunday, March 19.
Co-owner Kate Mettam said she doesn't know if, or when, they will reopen at the home of Notts' only working watermill, which dates back to 1713. Rising costs and staff shortages are at the root of the uncertainty.
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Mrs Mettam, who runs the tearoom with her sister-in-law Ellen Mettam, said: "We'd normally open for Mother's Day but we're not because of what has happened with food and electricity. We always try to give really good service and be as cheap as possible. We just don't know how our customers would react because we'd have to put prices up considerably.
"We are not doing anything with it, it's still as it is, we're just staying closed. We are both almost 75. We're waiting to see what's going to come in the future.
"My niece, who worked for us for a long time, has got another job now so that's another reason... staff. Do we want to start training up somebody new?
"Things are just too uncertain at the moment. We didn't put any prices up at all last year. We tried to absorb the cost but it gets that it's not worth doing. We haven't put prices up for three years. If were were realistic we'd have to put our prices up and it's really not in our nature - we try and do it as cheap as we can."
The 30-seater beamed tearoom, on the upper floor of the old mill building, is known for serving good quality food and afternoon tea. Everything is freshly prepared, using local ingredients where possible. It has been hailed one of the best spots in the country for a cup of tea, having won an Award of Excellence from the UK Tea Council after a visit by an undercover inspector.
Fans of the tea shop really hope it will reopen and said they don't mind paying more for the experience. One man said: "The watermill teashop is one of my happy places, and I've so appreciated the delightful ambience and great food that you offer - the cheese scones are unbeatable.
"Like many others, I imagine, I'd be happy to pay more to reflect the true value of the experience you offer. But ultimately you have to do what's right for you. I feel lucky that I've spent so many tranquil hours in the beautiful space that you've created."
Another customer added: "I would definitely be happy to pay more. Your afternoon tea is by far the best there is and is the cheapest afternoon tea I have ever had - I'm sure many will agree with me, I have lots of happy memories at your teashop would be so sad to see it go. Fingers crossed you can work something out."
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