Photo: Alan Mak MP with Owner Jacqui Unal and staff at the historically-themed tearoom, which has been announced as a finalist for the Havant Small Business Awards 2016
Havant MP Alan Mak took a step back into the past as he visited the popular 19 Fourteas Tearoom on West Street in Havant. The period tearoom has been announced as one of thirty-six finalists for the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards, organised by Mr Mak. The News are media partners for the event.
The Havant MP praised the ‘unique’ tearoom as a prime example of the personality, care and quality that small businesses provide for the local area. The 19 Fourteas Tearoom has become a favourite haunt for locals in search of a nostalgic ‘cuppa’ as well as tourists.
The tearoom on West Street boasts a range of vintage décor seating up to 25 customers, as well a homely lounge area on the first floor and a garden complete with newly-acquired Anderson shelter. The Anderson shelter was the Government’s standard-issue shelter for householders to retreat to during air raids during World War Two. Punters can choose from a range of breakfast and lunch options in addition to the popular ‘High Tea’.
The café also welcomes school groups for tours of the café and its collection of period memorabilia.
Fourteas are competing in the Best Café category at the Havant Small Business Awards. The initiative by Alan Mak MP is designed to celebrate and showcase the strength of small business enterprise in the local area. Hundreds of nominations were cast as the public voted for local favourites in twelve categories.
Should they clinch their individual category, Havant tearoom will also be in the running for the prestigious overall prize: Havant Small Business of the Year 2016. Paul Lindley, self-made millionaire and founder of organic baby food company Ella’s Kitchen, will be the guest speaker at the awards ceremony.
Following his visit, Mr Mak said that Fourteas were a terrific example of local enterprise with a telling community touch. The family-run café host a number of visits from local schools – most recently Warren Park Primary - to help educate pupils about culture surrounding the Second World War in Britain.
The staff also conduct visits to local elderly and care homes, whilst their work with dementia patients is designed to give some of the most vulnerable members of the community a brief respite accompanied by a warm brew.
Owner Jacqui Unal and her team also host a number of elderly customers who enjoy the chance to relive a bygone era and socialise in familiar surroundings. The café is hosting a Street Party for the Queen to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday on Saturday 18th June.
Alan Mak said: “Congratulations to Fourteas and all of the other businesses who have been announced as finalists for the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards. It was great to see so many residents putting forward nominations for individuals and organisations that are making a real difference to the local economy and community.”
The Havant MP added: “I hugely enjoyed my little taste of history as I stepped back in time at 19 Fourteas. It is a unique local business that helps local school children and provides a comfortable space for our older residents.”
Owner Jacqui Unal commented: “We’re delighted to be named as a finalist for Alan’s Small Business Awards, which celebrate small local businesses like us around Havant. Alan is a great supporter of local businesses as our MP.”
Ms Unal, who also goes by her 1940s alias ‘Betty’, added: “We hope to prove that we’re not just another tea shop. By welcoming local pupils to learn about the past, and embracing current community events like the Queen’s Street Party, 19 Fourteas offers a unique experience to Havant customers. It’s important we don’t forget the past.”
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