Can we interest you in some

This year is the tenth outing for the refreshments phenomenon that is Tart House (adding the “Tea” to Art House!)

Run by Rick Whiting and Lesley Hammond at 71 Holmfield Road since 2014, it has become something of an institution; starting out with the help of just a few friends and family members, they now rely on 10 volunteers each day of the event. With seating for 110 in their conservatory and beautiful garden, Tart House provides a welcome break from the art trail – a chance to meet up with friends, sit and enjoy home made refreshments and catch performances by talented local musicians. 

Rick and Lesley recall that when first asked by Kathy to become involved with Art House, there was some hesitancy. But compelled by the latent dream of running a cake shop – though neither of them eat cake themselves! – and by the opportunity to raise money for causes close to their hearts, they suggested a pop up tearoom. It was so successful that on that first Saturday they completely sold out of baked goods – Sunday was saved by an emergency late-night baking session and the many donations of home-baked cakes which appeared from supporters in the local community by the next morning!
This year they expect to serve 1,200 customers; at least 250 scones and 80 large cakes will be baked by Lesley and loyal volunteers in the 2 weeks leading up to the event. As Rick wryly notes, they make lots of friends when taking new creations to a local hostelry for taste-testing purposes! The enormous shopping trip for ingredients is usually done 3 weeks in advance, and includes in excess of 270 eggs, 29kg flour, 14kg butter, 7kg icing sugar, 50 lemons, 7 litres of cream… the list goes on. Dozens of tablecloths and tea towels are used over the weekend (and washed and dried overnight) along with hundreds of pieces of crockery and cutlery – all sourced from charity shops as demand grew. Extra fridges and freezers would usually be sourced each year, but they now have enough stored for their needs.

Tart House will be warming up the oven, setting the tables and looking forward to tea-time once again this year.

Open 11am to 5pm on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June

Putting on Tart House each year is a huge feat and demands weeks of effort from Rick, Lesley and their helpers, but when asked today if they still enjoy it the answer is an unequivocal “yes”.  Just look at the incredible amount they’ve raised for charity over the years…

(raised for charity since 2014)
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