Gorgeous canal-side Devon tea room to open through winter for first time
A quaint but inviting little haven for tea and homemade treats is set to remain open throughout the winter. Steve Pidgeon and his partner Julie took the reins of the tranquil Canal Tea Room in Tiverton just over a year ago, and now, after their first bustling summer, they're breaking with tradition.
The tea room - which sits alongside the Grand Western Canal - will stay open through winter for the first time in its history.
Steve said about their first season running the tea rooms; "It's been lots of fun." Reflecting on the highlights, he recalls a particularly memorable moment that put their team to the test: "We had a 52-seater coach turn up unannounced. It came down to take guests to the Tivertonian barge, but we did not know they were coming. We managed to cater for them all, but it'll be a memory that stands out."
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Despite the challenge, Steve relishes the stories from a summer full of bustling energy, where visitors flocked from near and far.
The response, particularly from locals, has been fantastic. Steve said: "Many of them were excited about new ownership even before we opened, and they've been with us ever since."
And it isn't just locals - tourists have also fallen in love with the tea room's charm, creating a loyal community of regulars that extends well beyond Tiverton.
The decision to stay open throughout winter is no small feat, especially in a part of town where businesses - such as the Tiverton Canal Co - traditionally wind down once the last tourists have left.
Steve explained: "Our regulars are our main reason. There isn't much hospitality on this side of town during winter, and we know our local dog walkers, cyclists, and anglers will appreciate having somewhere to go."
To make the Canal Tea Room a cosy winter retreat, Steve and Julie have a few tricks up their sleeves. They will keep the heaters cranked up to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and plan on some menu revamps to suit the season.
"We're going for winter warmers - bacon butties, hearty sausage rolls, things to warm you up," Steve says. A 'taster session' they held during the 50th anniversary of the Tivertonian was a success, setting the stage for this winter menu's debut. They'll kick things off on October 27, coinciding with the big run on the towpath, opening early to fuel runners and supporters alike.
Steve also highlighted the importance of local connections. Beyond its day-to-day offerings, the tea room has hosted a range of group bookings, from baby showers to cycling clubs.
"It's been a lovely mix of people," Steve says. "We've even had mother-and-baby groups and a few wakes."
Though the pace may slow in winter, Steve and Julie plan to keep that community spirit alive by hosting group events on weekdays.
"We'll take bookings through pre-arrangements," Steve added.
While they may still need more time for full-scale winter events, Steve has future ideas for Christmas and even live music. "We'd love to try some themed events," he said.
Keeping open during the winter has its unique challenges. Shorter days and unpredictable weather mean a few adjustments to the usual operations.
"We'll be getting some extra lighting in the tea shelter and likely shifting our hours to close around 3 pm," Steve said. "Last October was surprisingly warm, and people questioned why we were closing. So, this time, we're ready."
It's uncharted territory for Steve and Julie, who've relied heavily on word of mouth. "This is the first time the tea room's stayed open year-round, so we'll have to spread the word," Steve said. Though they've had the luxury of an established customer base, keeping locals informed will be crucial to making their first winter successful.
Even though they're just one year into their journey, Steve is already thinking ahead. For him, being part of the Canal Business Group and attending Grand Western Canal advisory meetings is just the beginning of deepening their ties to the local area.
"I'd love to work more closely with local schools, maybe do some fundraising events," he said.
But it's not just about business ambitions. For Steve, there's something personally fulfilling about this new chapter in their lives. "One of the best things has been living on-site, having no commute, and just enjoying people's reactions to what we're doing here," he said.
He's given advice to anyone considering a seasonal business. "Do your homework," he said. "Know your customer base and check out the local competition." The location has been a lucky find for Steve and Julie, set in an area with minimal competition and abundant natural beauty.
As for 2025, Steve's vision is modest. "We want to do more of the same," he said, focusing on expanding their tea shelter and possibly more landscaping around the grounds. Their main focus, however, remains clear: to keep making the Canal Tea Room a special place for regulars and newcomers alike.