Castle Hedingham: Violets Vintage Tea Room to close down

Nicola Littlejohn, from Sible Hedingham, has confirmed on Facebook that Violets Vintage Tea Room in St James’s Street will close next Saturday, May 25.

The business was originally opened as Violet the Vintage Caravan, on the driveaway of her home in 2020.

Unfortunately, the business was refused planning permission to allow the café to operate on the driveway due to issues connected to parking and lack of extraction ventilation in the kitchen.

Area - a Street View image of St James's Street in Castle Hedingham (Image: Google Maps)

In 2023, the business found its “forever home” in Castle Hedingham and continued to be a popular café.

However Nicola has now decided to shut the café for good.

She said “It has been a tough ride since we were forced to close down at home and try as we might, it has never quite felt the same.

“But throughout it all we could not have carried on without the support we have received from you all. We have made so many friends along the way and sadly have lost some to.

“We have always had their pictures up in the tea room and I will be taking them home as a reminder of the great times we had.

“Thank you so much for supporting us over the last few years, you really did make a dream come true and I will be eternally grateful.”

In the Facebook post, Nicola also thanked the “amazing staff that have been part of the Violets team”, business colleagues like Paul and Fiona at Earys Butchers, and family members for all the support.

She said: “My biggest thanks, however, goes to my darling Connie.

“She has been with me since the start, weathered and supported me through all the storms.

“I'm sure all of you will agree makes the best food and I will miss seeing her every day, more than I could ever say.

“Thank you again to every single one of you, it's been amazing.”

The tea room is currently open seven days a week, from 9.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday, until it closes May 25.