'It felt right to carry her name forward' - Samlesbury Hall's cafe in tribute to colleague opens this weekend
Samlesbury Hall is opening a new Tea Room and Gift Shop this weekend - dedicated to the memory of a much-missed member of staff.
Maria’s Tea Room and Gift Shop will have its grand opening on Saturday, with a new design and menu. Formerly known as Dottie’s Wafflery, the tea room has been lovingly rebranded as Maria’s in honour of Maria dos Santos Martins, who died suddenly in June. She had worked at Samlesbury Hall for 18 years.
A spokesman said: “Maria was the heart and soul of Samlesbury Hall—a warm and welcoming presence who took great joy in looking after everyone who visited. It felt only right to carry her name forward as we begin this new chapter, keeping her spirit alive in everything we do.
“Every room has been thoughtfully transformed, with reception now relocated into No.3 Cottage. This cosy, welcoming space will be hosted by the ever-lovely Janet, Ellie and Mandy, ready to greet you with warm smiles and even warmer cups of tea.
“We’ve partnered with a wonderful selection of local Lancashire suppliers to fill our shelves with a plethora of pretty and utterly scrumptious gifts. From handcrafted goodies to delectable treats, there’s a little Lancashire-made loveliness for everyone. You’ll even find our own branded gin and beer, perfect for gifts.”
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What’s New on the Menu?
The spokesman added: “We’re putting a bigger spotlight than ever on our bakery and deli delights. Freshly baked scones will be served daily alongside a rotating selection of delicious homemade cakes and biscuits. Our fridges will be stocked with savoury favourites including sausage rolls, quiches, pies—and yes, even a Scotch egg or two—for you to enjoy in our tea room or to take away.
“Whether you’re here for a quiet cuppa, a tasty bite, or a spot of gift shopping, Maria’s is once again your go-to destination for all things cosy, local, and lovely.”
Launch event
The launch event on Saturday, October 4 is admission by ticket only. Ticket holders can enjoy complimentary samples of the food on offer, and will be able to purchase hot and cold drinks on the day.