It all began in 1903 with two ladies and one dream
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Welcome to the Teahouse in the Woods, a delightful gem built during the Edwardian period, nestled beside the historic spa building. This charming establishment has captured the hearts of many, often featured on early 1900s postcards, helping to establish Woodhall Spa as a renowned inland resort. Originally operated by the charming Williams sisters, who leased the Teahouse for just £5 a year, it remains a testament to the elegance of its time. Step inside and experience the enchanting atmosphere that has drawn visitors for generations.
Miss Gladys Williams
one of the original tenants of the tea house
Miss Florence Williams
one of the original tenants of the tea house
1903 - 1920's
Opened during the height of Edwardian England, this charming venue quickly became a favoured destination for visitors, offering refined teas served in exquisite violet-patterned china. Guests were also invited to browse the lending library and explore a tasteful Fancy Goods shop showcasing the delicate embroidery of the Misses Williams. Each year, the Williams sisters travelled from their family home in London to manage the Tea House for the season, and in 1913, it was reported that they had purchased it outright, although they were still designated as "leaseholders" in the 1921 sale of the Petwood estate. Featuring a picturesque wooden veranda, rustic tables set on the lawns, and a serene path behind the Tea House adjacent to the stream, visitors were encouraged to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the Petwood estate grounds.
1920's - 1940's
RAF woodhall spa was constructed in the 1940's becoming operational in 1942 as a heavy bomber airfield flying Avro Lancaster's. Wartime Woodhall Spa would have been a sea of blue and khaki with the population of the village increasing tremendously. Estimates put the numbers of service personnel in and around Woodhall at between 4,500 - 5,000. In the last year and a half of World War II, de Havilland Mosquitoes from No 627 Squadron were stationed there, solidifying its status as a hub of military activity. Prominent figures such as Leonard Cheshire and Guy Gibson frequented Woodhall Spa, transforming the once-peaceful Edwardian resort into a vital center of the war effort. The Tea House flourished amidst the influx of service members seeking respite.
1940's - 1960's
After the conclusion of the Second World War and with a reduction in the numbers of service personnel in and around Woodhall, the Tea House continued to thrive under the ownership of the Williams sisters until 1949, when Frank and Thelma Harriman became the new management. Just two years later they purchased freehold and expanded the establishment, allowing them to serve delightful teas indoors throughout the year. This transformation ensured that visitors could enjoy a cozy atmosphere while savoring their favorite brews, no matter the season. The Harrimans' dedication to enhancing the Tea house experience has left a lasting legacy.
1960's - 1980's
The Tea House has consistently been a cherished destination for both visitors and local residents. In 1973, after successfully managing the establishment, the Harriman family chose to sell it to Mr. and Mrs. Archer. Under their stewardship, Mary and Toney implemented notable expansions, adding a dance floor and a raised platform for performers, which enhanced the overall experience for guests.
1980's - 2000's
Tradition meets modern! Finally after 80 years the Tea House's wooden veranda became in dire need of repair and with the upkeep becoming very costly. The old wooden veranda was replaced with with a more modern, solid, round arcade veranda. The new verandah with it’s attractive arches, the Tea House could now comfortably seat 100 people in the pleasant & peaceful surroundings but still retain the Tea House old world charm. As times where changing the Archers soon realised the importance of making the Tea house more family friendly by extending the offerings and introducing a morning coffee, lunch, afternoon & high teas and evening grills menu. Now fully licensed it had became truly much more then just a Tea house. The Archers final improvement (A stone fireplace) was made in the early 80’s to give the tea house a "country club.
2000's - 2020's
On the retirement of the Archers in March 2003 GN Construction purchased the Tea house and sought tenants for the business. First were the Macauley family, Liz Macauley inserting her family name into the business title as " Macauley's at the Tea House". Liz installed five new booths along the back wall and one in front of the stone fireplace. An emphasis was put on restaurant meals. Liz Macauley had five successful years from 2003 - 2008. It was then taken over by Liz's son Sean Macauley who then sold the tenancy to Jamal Hussein in April 2011. Jamal remodelled the tea house re-inventing the restaurant as "Ristorante al Parco” at the Tea House in the woods. The absence of the Tea House was keenly felt and in 2014 the Italian idea migrated successfully to Horncastle. Woodhall’s oldest traditional Tea House & restaurant was reborn under the stewardship of Natalie & Stephen.
TEA HOUSE TODAY
We’re not a chain, we’re a family
Tea house in the woods is a family run restaurant offering fresh food. With decades of experience in various prestigious hotels and restaurants, we pride ourselves in all aspects of the menu and service. Our location and history combined with Excellent service sets us apart as one of Lincolnshire's premier venues. Our aim is to offer local produce with a personal touch which we hope will see you return. We think the Williams sisters would be proud that the little Tea House they founded in 1903 is still here 122 years later. Serving lincolnshire with fine food.