THE Dutch Cottage Tea Rooms is Chippenham's best-kept secret, nestled away in a pretty town centre street backing on to the river.

A traditional and refined teashop in St Mary Street, the Dutch Cottage is celebrating its first anniversary in September with plans for a members' club.

Ever since it was opened by owners Rob and Liz Perks with the intention of filling the gap between a coffee shop and a pub, the business has attracted a steady stream of loyal customers.

Mr Perks said: "Many of our customers come back two or three times a week and we have managed to nurture a sense of community.

"Friends catch up over a pot of tea and mums come in for lunch and they know they will get the best, locally sourced homemade food as well as a warm smile from our staff."

Its first birthday will not pass unnoticed. The couple plan to give free cakes to customers on September 14 and the prospect of a slice of Mrs Perks' homemade lemon drizzle or fruit scones with a pot of Wiltshire tea should attract plenty of locals.

The business takes its name from the way the building was constructed hundreds of years ago.

Read more about that particular piece of historical architecture within the pages of the menu, which includes 26 different types of tea.

There are other hot and cold drinks available, as well as salads, toasted and regular sandwiches, baked potatoes and a range of homemade cakes, scones and pastries.

The specials board always offers a small selection of delicious and filling meals and you can choose to eat on your own in a quiet alcove or with a large group of friends upstairs.

To attract more interest in the anniversary-inspired members club, Mr Perks plans to have themed events in the building, like the recent tea-tasting session with a tea expert from Corsham-based Wiltshire Tea Company.

He added: "We think we'll offer regular home-cooked full roast dinner on selected days for the members as well as the special events.

"We have a very homely and gentle atmosphere here and people like to take their time over a cup of tea or read the paper, much like they would do at home. It's our own little community."

FACT FILE:
  • Dutch Cottage Tea Rooms, 56 St Mary Street, Chippenham. Tel: (01249) 465993. Email: tearooms@dutch-cottage.co.uk
  • Tea available all day
  • Private room upstairs for business meetings or personal retreats
  • A range of 26 speciality teas
  • Grade II listed medieval building
  • Locally sourced food and many homemade meals and cakes
  • Disabled access and toilets
  • Quiet riverside eating area in the garden behind the tearoom.