A CHANCE to own one of Lancashire’s favourite cafe has unexpectedly emerged.

Andrea Britland and Chris Hood, who have run the Dearden Tea Rooms in Haslingden, have announced they are quitting the venture due to ill health.

New operators are now being sought for the venue, which was named the top cafe or tea room in the 2018 Taste Lancashire awards.

Andrea and Chris had already started as they meant to go on, after scooping the best new business award at the same ceremony in 2014.

Andrea said: “We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and custom over the years because the business would not be what it has been without them.

“We hope that they will continue to support the new owners, in the same way.”

The pair intend to keep the business running until any sale goes through.

Before taking on the tea rooms, Andrea had worked in social services and staged Victorian afternoon teas, while Chris was a former head chef at the Fisherman’s Retreat in Ramsbottom.

The building which they converted for the enterprise, which can cater for 79 indoors and a further 30 in their courtyard outside, dates back to 1752.

Courtney Cummings, representing Blacks Business Brokers, which is marketing the premises, said: “The Dearden Tea Rooms is a well-established business with a great reputation, which provides a fantastic opportunity for an experienced catering professional to come in and make their mark.

“It’s a beautiful building, and very well-equipped, and the business also offers real growth potential.

“Our clients were always very clear they wanted to operate the tea rooms as a lifestyle business, to fit in with their other commitments.

“However, they tell me that existing customers regularly enquire about evening opening, so a new owner could increase revenues very significantly by extending their opening hours and introducing a bistro-style offering.”

The tea rooms has also made its name locally by offering regular wizard and witchcraft nights on Deardengate.

An offer price of £149,950, plus an annual rent of £11,900, has been suggested by the Bury-based vendors.