A Blackburn town centre tea room has been praised for serving up some delicious delicacies drinks and savouries.
Mad Hatters Cupcakes and Tea Room opened seven years ago opposite the library and has been managed by Natalie Hartley since September.
The tea room has made it into the finals of the Lancashire Telegraph Best Coffee Shop 2024 award.
Natalie said the staff were ‘overjoyed’ to be make the list.
She said: “It came as a bit of shock to us and it was a surprise.
“It has really made our day and it is great that customers think so highly about us.”
The café has space to cater for for 20 diners inside and has seating for a further 15 outside, weather permitting.
It is adorned with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland art making it one of, if not the most unique venues in the whole of Lancashire.
The team have made a huge effort to recreate a fantasy world in the heart of Blackburn, centred around the Mad Hatter's iconic tea party.
The traditional afternoon tea is one of the most popular orders, consisting of a ‘selection of tea and freshly ground coffee, a selection of sandwiches, savouries, soup, mini cakes and homemade scone served with clotted cream and jam’.
The afternoon tea comes in children’s portions too, meaning all the family can enjoy dining at the Town Hall Street coffee shop.
If you don't fancy afternoon tea, other options include the Cajun chicken ciabatta, Hunter's chicken ciabatta or a halloumi and bacon ciabatta.
Natalie said: “It is a varied menu with a range of items on.
“We have some loyal and wonderful customers. It is also great to welcome new visitors who may not have been here before.
“We are just on the edge of the town centre so you would have to be coming along Town Hall Street to see us.
“There are fewer and fewer independent shops likes ours still around.
“A lot of the bigger brands appear to have taken over. We are glad that people still come to places like ours.”
On the lower floor, the tearoom has a dedicated ‘party room’ which can hold up to 16 guests.
Natalie said: “People book this for special occasions such as birthdays and baby showers and it is really popular.
“In the coming weeks, we have a Breakfast with Santa event taking place and also a wreath making event.”
Two customers who were enjoying a cuppa when we stopped by Mad Hatter's told us they visited the café at least once a week.
One said: “It is the best tea room in Blackburn. The food and drinks are amazing and the staff are really helpful.
“We come here regularly and have the toasties and sandwiches. You won’t find this great quality anywhere else.”
The tearoom's wreath making workshop takes place on Sunday, December 8, from 11.30am.
We will be featuring each of the finalists in the Best Coffee Shop competition over the coming days.
To vote, pick up a paper copy of the Lancashire Telegraph. Once all votes have been counted a winner will be announced next month.
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