It was a time to swing back to the fifties and sixties for some nostalgic music and stylish outfits when the latest addition to Carshalton High Street – Dotty’s Teahouse – celebrated its opening with a vintage-themed tea party recently.

Party-goers enjoyed a selection of tea-time treats and Surrey-made Silent Pool Gin served in china teacups, while singers The Haywood Sisters arrived in a classic Morris Minor to entertain the guests.

Owner Rebecca Mackenzie is building on the success of a pop-up tea room in Kingston. She wants to broaden her horizons in Carshalton, starting a number of arts and crafts workshops for local enthusiasts at the back of the shop: ‘My aim is to make Dotty’s a real community hub, so we’ll be hosting all kinds of workshops and clubs: sewing, knitting, floristry, paper craft and much more. Our motto is “tea, cake and creativity” and I hope everyone who visits us leaves feeling inspired.’

Former Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq congratulated Rebecca and her partner Dave Jones on creating six new jobs in the village and released a bunch of balloons, each containing a surprise gift. The lucky finders of the balloons will discover an invitation hidden within to enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea for two at Dotty’s – the first new teahouse in the village for many a year.

Pictured: Rebecca Mackenzie (second left) with partner Dave, dignitaries and guests

Details

Dotty’s Teahouse, 108 High Street, Carshalton SM5 3AE; www.DottysTeahouse.co.uk
Full opening hours from 1 June: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 11am to 4pm.