Bosherston Bistro revives beloved old tea rooms with modern twist

A POPULAR eating place in Bosherston, reborn earlier this year, aims to preserve the warm hospitality that people remember from the old tea rooms, while bringing to the village a more modern dining experience.

It was in 1922 that Caesar Evans and his wife opened the stone-built 19th century cottages as a small tearoom. Thirty years later, after Mrs Evans passed away, Ye Olde World Café was taken over by their daughter, Vi Weston, fondly remembered as ‘Auntie Vi.’

Vi and her husband ran the café for decades, giving it the warm, homely character people still talk about today. More than a place for tea and cake, it was a little piece of Bosherston’s heritage, woven into memories of family holidays, long walks, and summer days.

Visitors returning to Bosherston today will still recognise echoes of the much-loved tea rooms, while also discovering a fresh new chapter for the building as Bosherston Bistro.

“We completely understand that many people have fond memories of the old tea rooms, and rightly so,” said new owners Sarah Partridge and Rob Secrett.

“Aunty Vi created something very special over many years and it became a huge part of Bosherston for generations of locals and visitors alike. After she sadly passed away many years ago, her son and daughter-in-law continued the business for some time, but understandably it eventually became too much to carry on.

“During that time, the old outdoor seating shed was demolished and the extension on the building was added. By the time we took the property over, it had been completely gutted and sat empty for just over a year.

“Since reopening, we’ve kept the charm and character people loved, whilst also creating something sustainable for the future.

“We still have seating on the lawn, a marquee area for those wanting to sit outside sheltered from the wind and rain, and we continue to serve cream teas, cakes and hot drinks as a nod to the tea rooms people remember fondly.

“Alongside that, we’ve introduced a more modern indoor dining space and expanded menu with light bites, hearty meals and Sunday lunches to help keep the business thriving for both locals and visitors.

“We appreciate that not everyone likes change, but this is a new chapter for the building rather than a continuation of the old business which unfortunately was not able to survive as it was. Thankfully, 99 per cent of the feedback and support we receive has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us and welcomed the bistro into Bosherston as we move with the times.”

From breakfast to Sunday Lunch, Bosherston Bistro serves fresh, seasonal food such as Welsh lamb or seafood linguine. Its drinks selection includes local and Welsh products such as Barti Rum and Heartsease Farm, and cream teas and cakes are still served there.

Bosherston Bistro is open 10am-3pm Monday and Tuesday, and 10am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, as well as for special themed nights: see the Facebook page for details or call 01646 476358.