Hansons’ Staffordshire tearoom which offers a perfect pit-stop for lovers of history and homemade cakes has cooked up success in six months.
People are flocking to Sparrow’s Tearoom at Georgian mansion Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge. It only opened its doors in March 2024 but it’s winning rave reviews on Tripadvisor. And the woman leading it to glory, cake baker extraordinaire Hollie Stansfield, is thrilled. Such is the success she’s now planning to launch a Bishton farm shop to give people more reason to visit.
Hollie, 36, from Rugeley, Staffs, said: “The response from the public has been amazing. I’ve been really touched by the feedback. We have several five-star ratings on Tripadvisor. People praise our friendliness, competitive prices and tasty food.
“One reviewer described Sparrow’s as ‘a lovely, welcoming space with local intrigue set in some gorgeous grounds’. We’re blessed to have a backdrop of grandeur thanks to Bishton Hall, which is Hansons Auctioneers’ Staffordshire saleroom. Some people tie in a visit with an antiques valuation. Others like to explore the gardens or attend open-air events, such as pop-up markets. We’re also popular with cyclists and dog walkers.
“It’s a great place to unwind, relax and celebrate local history. The tearoom is named after former Bishton resident Charlotte Sparrow. She was a philanthropist who lived at Bishton until she died aged 90 in 1876. Every year on her birthday Staffordshire’s Colwich School, which Charlotte founded in 1827, holds a celebration to honour her.
“The mix of history and good food has been a recipe for success, so much so we’re planning to launch a farm shop soon. It’s a dream come true for me. 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. Then the opportunity to run Sparrow’s came along. I hope even more people discover us.”
Sparrow’s Tearoom, The Courtyard, Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0XN, opens daily, 10am-3pm. To find out more or book an antiques valuation, email: [email protected].
