Matlock tea rooms to close after 20 years

Regent House Tea Rooms, in Dale Road, Matlock, closed on Sunday, after 20 years.

Owners Richard and Lesley Short had previously owned a clothing store on the same site, but they decided to change tack and open a tea room.

“The clothes trade in the early 90s suffered in the recession, so we decided to do something else,” Richard, 67, explained.

“I had absolutely no experience when I started.”

Richard tended to stay front of house serving customers, whereas Lesley worked in the kitchen – splitting her time between that and her beautician’s, Estetica Beauty, next door.

Richard said his regular customers had expressed sadness at the thought of the business closing.

“They have said they can’t find anywhere else to go, because we’re a bit more individual than other cafes,” he added.

Over the years Richard has seen many changes in the area, including the recent influx of shabby chic–style shops on Dale Road.

He said: “I’d like to thank all our fantastic staff, past and present and a huge thanks to all our loyal customers throughout the 20 years we’ve been open.”

Richard will be retiring completely, and while he has no plans at the moment, is looking forward to putting his feet up and relaxing.

Lesley will be focussing on her work as a beautician, and moving her business Estetica Beauty into the Beauty Retreat, in Bank Road.

The couple will continue to own both the former Regent House and Estetica premises on Dale Road, and Richard said one of the premises is going to be a clothing store.