A new café offering a nostalgic escape to a bygone era has opened in the heart of Sutton Coldfield, launched by a resilient local couple who have turned business adversity into success.
A Journey Back to the 19th Century
The Victorian Tea Room officially opened its doors on Thursday, December 12, within the Gracechurch Centre. The venue, which previously housed Ted’s Potatoes and, historically, a Jessops camera shop, has been transformed. Upon entering, guests are immediately transported, with the space decked out in authentic period furniture, paintings, a grandfather clock, and tables adorned with old-fashioned cloths, china, and ornate teapots.
The commitment to the theme extends to the menu, which features traditional bakes made fresh on-site. Highlights include a classic Victoria Sponge, lemon drizzle cake, cheesecake bites, macarons, and both raisin and plain scones. The sandwich selection sticks to timeless fillings:
- Beef and horseradish
- Ham and mustard
- Egg mayonnaise
- Cucumber
- Coronation chicken
- Cheese and pickle
- Tuna mayonnaise
Drinks continue the historical theme, featuring proper tea leaves served with a strainer, hot cocoa, and soft drinks like Dandelion and Burdock, traditional lemonade, and Coca-Cola. Notably, the establishment does not serve diet drinks. A simpler breakfast menu of teacakes, crumpets, and eggs on toast is also available.
From Personal Tragedy to Sweet Success
The tearoom is the brainchild of partners Hannah Fisher and Steven Brain. Their journey to this venture is a story of resilience. The couple originally founded Dough Ay We, a business selling cookie dough pies at local markets, three years ago. However, in August 2025, they faced a severe setback when their commercial kitchen at the Moat House on Lichfield Road was abruptly repossessed, leaving them just one hour to vacate.
Undeterred, they baked from their home in Falcon Lodge while searching for a new base. "We contacted the Gracechurch Centre to see if they had anything," Hannah explained. They secured the keys to their new unit on November 1 and spent six weeks fitting it out. The original plan was for a dessert café, but inspiration struck during a family trip to Leamington Spa, where Hannah's eight-year-old son was captivated by a traditional tea room. This sparked the pivot to the Victorian-themed concept.
A Peaceful Escape in the Town Centre
The couple, who have both overcome personal tragedy, including Hannah losing three family members in 2021, have channelled their experiences into creating a unique space. "We want people to come in here and escape, put your phone down and be lost in the era," said Hannah, a former teacher. "It’s an experience. It’s relaxed." They plan to introduce an open library from a bookcase to enhance the homely, peaceful atmosphere.
Priced at £12.95 per person, the afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches (with choice of fillings), cakes, a scone with cream and jam, and tea. Individual cake slices are also sold. The tearoom is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm and is available for private hire, offering a distinctly traditional alternative to the surrounding coffee shop chains.
