Aldermaston Tea Rooms is back in business

The Aldermaston Tea Rooms will celebrate its grand reopening to the public this Thursday (March 23) following a complete renovation.

The popular enterprise, located on Wharfside, is now in the hands of Siobhan Wood and Liz Lyons, who are running it in conjunction with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

The pair won the tender for the lease before Christmas and have been working tirelessly to restore the property, while maintaining its historic integrity.

"We've put our own stamp on it. But it's so pretty and so quaint, that we didn't want to change it too much," explained Miss Wood.

"It's not a high level, fine art kind of building. We've kept the historic farmhouse look."

Changes include longer opening hours and an updated menu of homemade tea and cakes.

Further space has been made for 30 seats inside, plus a new snug area with comfy seating.

"The locals have been amazing," Miss Wood added. "Everyone is so keen for the place to open. It's nerveracking, but we're working really hard to make sure we have everything in place and the support we've had has been fantastic.

A nearby disused historical canal building has also been fully restored and is due to reopen as a museum and visitor centre, hosting an array of canal-related artefacts.

The building, previously used as a washroom and tollhouse, has been freshly painted and fitted with electric. It will showcase items related to the 105 locks that make up the Kennet and Avon Canal.