A tearoom owner says she hopes her new business will become the “hub of the village” and has even been offered help from residents to paint it.
Julie Mills is behind the renovated Elham Tea House, having secured the site last year, which will make it just the second eatery in the village.
Nestled between between Folkestone and Canterbury, the parish has recently lost pubs Abbot’s Fireside and seen the Rose & Crown temporarily close for refurbishment works.
Ms Mills says the losses have left a hole she believes her high street tea room can fill and turn into the “hub of the village”.
Opening on July 31, Elham Tea House is to replace The Cosy Tea Rooms following its closure at Christmas.
Ms Mills says her new eatery can provide residents with a new focal point to meet.
The 59-year-old explained: “I saw we could come to the high street last September, so put a deposit down, but it’s taken until about now to get the keys.
“Elham has one pub now (The Kings Arms), so villagers are already being really supportive and getting excited. We’ve even been getting offers to help us paint.
“They want somewhere to go for a coffee and chat and I think we can make it into a real village hub.”
Ms Mills previously ran The Hidden Tearoom in Chilham – again on her own – but was unable to dictate its hours as it was trading within a separate business, Bagham Barn Antiques.
She added: “I left there in November having been there about a year.
“We only had one room and 19 seats whereas now we will now have 36 and about 15 tables.
“So because we’re our own boss, we’re not restricted on opening hours and can have our own toilets too.
“I looked at a place in Whitstable which was nice but was pricey, but here you have Folkestone and Canterbury either side.
“So I think it’s been a blessing we’ve been able to get this spot.”
The cafe will be open seven days a week.
She continued: “Since I arrived, it has had to be completely refurbished as it was in such a poor state, so it’s been a can of worms, but we’re in the home straight now.”
Spending almost £100,000 on the makeover, the Molash resident will be employing up to six colleagues at the site, which was previously home to Elham Post Office more than 10 years ago.
As well as offering afternoon tea, homemade cakes, fruit scones, Greek salads and club sandwiches will also be on the menu, alongside breakfast options such as crumpets and granola.
She will also be growing produce for the shop from her own raised vegetable garden.
Julie said: “Elham is really popular with walkers, cyclists and older people too who will come here for afternoon tea while workers will be able to come in and have breakfast.
“There’s also a primary school in the village, so we’re hoping mums will come here in the morning or bring their kids in during the afternoon.”
