Tea room in Astley that closed last year reopens under community CIC.

Merly's Tearoom at Damhouse in Astley closed in January but reopened last summer under Merly's Kitchen, a Community Interest Company, and now offers homemade food, volunteer-led services and community activities.

Merly's Tearoom at Damhouse in Astley, Wigan, reopened last summer after closing in January when the heritage trust said the previous operating model was no longer sustainable amid a downturn in trade. The venue returned under Merly's Kitchen, a Community Interest Company set up to operate for community benefit rather than private profit. The tearoom had a full makeover and is run by Samantha Lowry with a couple of staff and a team of volunteers, some of whom have additional needs. It serves homemade breakfasts and cakes and now hosts several community clubs and new toddler sessions. Key details: - The tearoom closed in January because the previous operating model was reported as unsustainable amid falling trade. - It reopened last summer as Merly's Tearoom after partnering with Merly's Kitchen CIC. - The operation is led by Samantha Lowry with a couple of staff and volunteers, including people with additional needs. - Regular activities include a book club, craft club, games club and chess club, plus a toddlers' tea and toast on Tuesdays (9.45am–11.45am) where toddlers receive free toast. - Merly's also runs a Community Fridge, separate from the tearoom menu, offering surplus supermarket food free; the fridge was initially started at Shakerley Community Centre in Tyldesley. - Events are being planned, such as themed afternoon teas, a children's Easter breakfast and the annual 1940s weekend at Damhouse on June 20–21. Summary: Merly's Tearoom's reopening has restored a community space at Damhouse, providing homemade food, volunteer opportunities and regular activities. Several community events are planned in the coming months, including themed afternoon teas and the June 20–21 1940s weekend.