Sparrow’s Tearoom at Bishton Hall honours Staffordshire history and offers‘ celebration of cakes’
A fabulous tearoom at Hansons’ Staffordshire saleroom is the perfect pit-stop for lovers of history as well as coffee and home-made cakes.
Sparrow’s Tearoom, which opened at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, in March 2024, is led by cake baker extraordinaire Hollie Stansfield – and it’s winning rave reviews.
Vicki J wrote on TripAdvisor: “Saturday was my first visit to Sparrow’s tea room since being under new management. I have been many times in the past but was keen to go again as I had heard it was under new management. It’s such a charming tea room, inviting and friendly. After our walk we had been quite hungry and I was not disappointed with my choice, a BLT on a tasty malted bloomer … this is a little gem of a tea shop.”
Hollie, 36, from Rugeley, Staffs, said: “I have been baking cakes since I was 10 years old. What started out as a hobby later turned into a bakery business specialising in celebration cakes.
“Sparrow’s Tearoom takes me back to my first love – baking. I offer freshly made home-made cakes from £3 a slice, Italian Lavazza coffee, Teapigs’ fruit and herbal teas, breakfast and light lunch items. I’ve worked hard to create a menu people will love.”
The breakfast menu includes bacon and sausage sandwiches on white or malted bloomer (£4.95); smashed avocado with roasted cherry tomatoes on white or malted bloomer (£4.95) and toasted teacakes (£3.50).
Paninis and sandwiches, from £6.95, will offer fillings such as bacon, brie and cranberry, ham and cheese, tuna mayonnaise and BLT. The children’s menu will start at £2.95 for cheese or beans on toast. There will also be a soup of the day, savoury pastries and gluten-free options.
Hollie said: “Bishton Hall is a lovely place to visit in its own right, a really special venue for a tearoom thanks to its quintessentially English rural setting. If people are looking for somewhere new, do give us a try.”
Hansons said: “We’re proud to operate Sparrow’s Tearoom, named to honour Charlotte Sparrow who lived at Bishton Hall centuries ago. The country house dates back to circa 1750 and it seems fitting to recognise its history. Charlotte made her mark as a philanthropist and is one of the hall’s best-known former residents.”
Charlotte, born in 1786, lived at Bishton Hall until she died at the age of 90 in 1876. It’s believed she never married to ensure Bishton remained in her family at a time when a wife’s inheritance passed to her husband. She devoted her energies to helping others and is still remembered with fondness. Every year on her birthday, May 17, the pupils of Staffordshire’s Colwich School, which Charlotte founded in 1827, hold a celebration to honour her.
Hansons said: “Not only does Sparrow’s Tearoom celebrate Charlotte’s life it hosts a celebration of cakes – every day. The venue opens daily from 10am-4pm. We want everyone to enjoy Bishton’s rich history and fabulous gardens and the tearoom will do much to encourage visitors. And if anyone has antiques or jewellery they are curious to know more about they can combine a visit with a free valuation by our team of experts.”
Sparrow’s Tearoom – All you need to know
Sparrow’s Tearoom is at The Courtyard, Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0XN.
Open seven days a week, 10am-4pm. (Occasionally subject to change, please check before making a special journey)
To find out more, visit www.bishtonhall.com
To book a free antiques, jewellery, silver or watch valuation, email: enquiries@hansonsbishton.co.uk