An iconic haunted tearoom in Leicestershire is making a bid to redevelop into a museum after slow business meant closure was on the cards.
Miss B’s Tea Rooms sit on the upper two floors of a centuries-old building overlooking the Marketplace in Melton.
With the top floor currently being used for storage, and footfall slow in the cafe downstairs, owner Jolli Waterland thought closure was the only option.
She said: “Business is a challenge at the moment. I was really, really close to closing the doors.
“I’ve been here for seven years, and it’s never been this challenging with the cost of food and staff wages and everything. It’s a constant battle.”
But borough councillor Sharon Butcher (Independent) couldn’t bear to see another Melton business shut, so enlisted the help of local historian and artist Peter Smith.
He said: “I was absolutely astounded at what’s up there. It’s an absolute gem waiting to be used.
“We think this is the fourth oldest building in Melton. And most people just walk straight past it and haven’t got a clue what’s inside. And we want to put that right.”
According to Mr Smith, the building’s timber dates back to the 15th century. After surviving a fire which devastated most of Melton in 1613, the building was used as a pub for nearly 200 years.
On the top floor, a secret room containing a 1930s kitchen was recently discovered.
Furthermore, Ms Waterland believes the building is “very haunted”, with a “cheeky” energy in the cafe, the smell of smoke from an old pub patron by the door, and a spookier presence upstairs.
The plan is now to turn the whole upper floor into a museum, with different rooms reflecting each period of the structure’s life.
It’s hoped the redevelopment will help bring customers into the cafe and contribute to Melton’s list of tourist attractions.
Cllr Butcher said: “My passion is the town centre and I don’t want to see another business close.
“I thought we’ve got to think out of the box a little bit. You’ve got to give people a reason to come to your town, to make them stay and spend more money.”
The trio are looking to the Melton Business Improvement District, a not-for-profit organization funded with tax money collected by the borough council, to subsidise the project.
However, as the decision-makers typically match cash already ring-fenced for a project by the applicant, Ms Waterland said getting the scheme off the ground could be tough.
The plans reportedly have the support of heritage officers at Melton Borough Council.
By Caitlin James (Local Democracy Reporter)
