Earsham Hall is counting down the days until the opening of its newly refurbished tearoom.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Earsham Hall Tea Rooms is set to re-open.Annabel Stretton with Emily Cooper (chef) and Jason Collins.Earsham Hall Tea Rooms is set to re-open.Annabel Stretton with Emily Cooper (chef) and Jason Collins. (Image: ©Archant2015)

The Earsham Hall Tearooms will reopen for business - under the guidance of a new manager - on Monday, after a three week period of refurbishment to the interior and exterior of the building.

Originally opened in 1999 the tearoom was managed by Annabel Stretton-Derham, who owns and lives in the hall with her husband Rupert and two children, before Jill Hall took over and ran it for 10 years.

After Mrs Hall left for new ventures on February 28, a new kitchen has been fitted and the outside of the building has been resurfaced ready for new manager Jason Collins to welcome his first customers.

“It’s going to be fun and I’m very excited,” said Mr Collins, who is also the manager of the Fisher Theatre in Bungay. “The support from everyone at Earsham Hall has been great.”

The tearoom will join the furniture, kitchen, lighting and fireplace showrooms that are on the grounds of the hall, which dates back to the 15th century.

The hall holds invitation to view events throughout the year where people can view the hall and its history and then can relax with afternoon tea in the tearoom – which seats 36 inside and will include outside furniture for the summer months.

“The plan has always been for our visitors to look around the showrooms and then enjoy tea and cake at the tearoom,” said Mrs Stretton-Derham who is the director of Earsham Hall events.

“The re-launch has upped the opening hours and it’s brilliant as it’s giving it a new lease of life. Jason and the chef Emily Cooper will be doing lots of different foods.”

Mr Collins said all the ingredients will be locally sourced and food will be homemade - with cakes and light lunches available during the week, and a roast available on Sundays.

Mr Collins said: “Emily is amazing at baking and we are already fully booked for our first roast on March 29.

“We’re all very excited and the energy is flowing.”

Earsham Hall Tearooms is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 9.30am to 3pm.

For more information call 01986 483267.