Cottage Tea Rooms to close its doors for good
The Cottage Tea Rooms on the Firhouse Road will sadly serve its last cuppa this Saturday, December 23, when the local business, which galvanised a community, closes its doors.
The Cottage Tea Rooms has been a local success story since opening three years ago, and while providing a much-needed space for people to gather locally over a cup of tea, it created a link to the area’s past.
Antoinette Kelly, owner of the Cottage Tea Rooms, gently renovated the cottage in keeping with its original features, which conserved the area’s heritage while generating local employment – a leading example of the impact local businesses can have in a community.
In recent months, the tea rooms moved into Harry’s Bar in Morton’s Pub on a temporary basis, with hopes of returning to the cottage in the New Year.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the tea rooms are closing this Saturday, December 23 – serving food in Harry’s Bar until then.
Speaking with The Echo, Antoinette said: “In August 2014 my husband Michael and I took a lease on a small derelict cottage in Firhouse.
“It had once been home to the attached local forge. We wanted to open a small vintage tea rooms.
“The business grew beyond our dreams and staff grew with the customers.
“We met strangers and made good friends. It was a wonderful environment.”
She added: “We are very saddened to say that due to situations outside our control the Cottage Tea Rooms will not be re-opening in the New Year.
“We will remain open for business in Harry’s Bar until this Saturday when our little business closes.
“I would like to thank all the staff and customers who joined us through that period, you made the cottage what it became.
“A particular thanks to Caroline and Julie who have been with us almost from the start – and Emer, Aoife and Clodagh.
“We are very sad to say goodbye to all the lovely people we met over the last three years.
“We enjoyed our chats and laughter beside the open fires. It was a wonderful experience.”
