About - From origins beginning in 1986 a seed was sown in Kevin and Ellen Grimley for founding a space for those in need of a place of hospitability, care and compassion, where people could learn how to be in a safe and supportive environment. Their family home had become an open house where people came and knocked on the door to find, a listening ear, an open heart and even a place to bring their sleeping bag if they needed a place to lay their head.
After some time learning how to run a retreat/community house their seed became a reality in 2008 when Kevin and Ellen and four generations of family moved to a large house called St Joseph’s. They started by sharing a few scones from a wheel barrow at the bottom of their drive, to offer hospitality to the people in the area. From very small beginnings, two years later they moved to an adjoining building called Abbey Grange to establish a Tearoom and Community Centre. The centre provides hospitality, a listening ear and training for vulnerable people through various partnerships. The Centre also supports various local charities and organisations who benefit from a refuge and place of acceptance and compassion.
The visit - We were given a warm welcome at the tea room - on the day that we visited it was beautiful weather so we decided to sit outside. There are a good number of tables outside, mostly under cover, and then the bonus is that up a few steps there is then a lovely grass area with a small piece of outside play equipment.
One of the questions that I will often ask when trying to decide what to order is "What is your favourite..." Today was about cake - when I asked the waiter about what was their favourite, they were able to knowledgeably talk about the various cakes on offer. I ended up ordering the classic coffee and walnut cake and an americano. Whilst waiting for our order it was an opportunity to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and of course a bit of people spotting.
The coffee and cake were traditional tea room fayre - it felt like your grandma had been baking before you turn up for a visit! The coffee was fresh, hot and good strength. This arrived some time before the cake, but at least when you wait for something a little while, you know that it is being sliced freshly for you! There was a note on the menu that stated that there may be a wait for food, during busy periods - again I am happy to wait for something being freshly prepared. An enjoyable coffee and cake, whilst also visiting somewhere local that I didn't know about, until I went to the Newmarket, Coalville where there is the Scone Shack - also run by the team at St Joseph's tea room.
Ginger scone with rhubarb compote was served warm to our table. This a scone for those who really like ginger as it was peppered with good size ginger chunks throughout. A tea room staple, a scone, but with an extra flavour element.
Although today was about the cake, as other plates passed by to other tables my eye was taken by the scone stack/ with brie and bacon. The specials board was showcasing a naan bread toastie which may have had my name on if I was staying for some lunch.
Will I be back? - I will be back, perhaps when family come to visit. It was nice to know the backstory and feel like you were also supporting a good cause. They say if you can be anything in life be kind - this felt like you were contributing to the kindness that the team is spreading through their work.
Extra touches - as you leave the building there is a basket of blankets, for when the weather is cooler, but you still want to take advantage of sitting outside. There is also an outside water bowel for our four legged friends. The tea room has some craft items displayed around the rooms, but also has a small craft shop which showcases a range of crafts from cards, small craft sets to wooden boards, to name only a few.
Facilities - Functional toilets including a changing table with some wipes and nappy sacks.
Important information;
Abbey Grange, Oaks Road, Whitwick, Coalville, United Kingdom, LE67 5UP Address
01509 506935
tearoom@stjosephsruralcentre.co.uk
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