A COLCHESTER restaurant tearoom is celebrating a milestone anniversary after it re-opened its doors.

Tymperelys, in Trinity Street, is situated in one of the city's most historic buildings, boasting listed status.

The 15th century building was once home to famous Colcesterian William Gilberd - a scientist and physician to Elizabeth I. 

The former clock museum, bequeathed to the council by philanthropist Bernard Mason, was shut by the authority in October 2010 to save money. 

The Charringtons, who run Layer Marney Tower, paid £310,000 for a 125-year lease and spent four months restoring the building.

The family then re-opened Tymperleys as a restaurant tearoom on May 15 2014 with trading initially said to be “not brisk”, which was actually apositive for new owner Alice Charrington who had “much to learn”. 

Ten years on, Tymperleys is now “busy” – particularly on a sunny day – with new manager Michelle Clark taking over in 2017 after Alice left the business in her hands. 

Gazette: Weddings - Manager Michelle Clark said the business had hosted numerous weddings and other celebrations in the historic venueWeddings - Manager Michelle Clark said the business had hosted numerous weddings and other celebrations in the historic venue (Image: Submitted)

Michelle was in charge when the restaurant tearoom reopened after the Covid-19 lockdown steering the business through the “very difficult times of high inflation and uncertainty”.

Michelle said: “It has needed, skill, patience and a lot of hard graft. There is a great team now running it.”

She also revealed over the past decade 50,218 pots of tea have been served, 29,467 Americanos and 24,332 cappuccinos.

While afternoon teas – a speciality Tymperleys is known for – has been ordered 11,057 times.

Michelle said without “looking at the files” it is difficult to say exactly how many couples were married at the venue, but added: “It must be in the hundreds.

“With the uncountable number of birthdays, hen parties and baby showers it is a real pleasure Tymperleys has become a focus for so many people's celebrations."

On Sunday May 26 there will be a BBQ to celebrate the anniversary milestone.

The event will include singing by Kiele Anderson, face painting, and a free glass of prosecco for anyone who books an Afternoon Tea all being available.