Tolverne Tea House on the Fal River, Tregothnan

One of the most intriguing tea houses in the UK is about to enter an exciting new phase in its many centuries of history. An agreement was announced on Wednesday that Tolverne, part of Tregothnan Estate, will continue as a Tea House as well as licensed bar.

Peter Newman, whose family have lived at Tolverne since 1934 said ‘When we decided to retire from Tolverne we really hoped Tregothnan would consider taking on Tolverne. We are happy and relieved that tea here has a great future and we can now tell our longstanding customers. We have sold Tregothnan tea for three summers and there is huge interest in Tregothnan on the Fal. After 75 years there was a lot of emotion attached. I am delighted that my son, Rhos will continue to run Newman Cruises from Tolverne. This really is the hub for Cornwall s bigg est river and Tregothnan wanted us to offer green transport links.'

'It's an amazing opportunity and although I have retired, I have agreed to stay on this summer to help with the handover. Our regular customers often sail in for a drink as we are fully licensed and literally hundreds of requests are made every year to take over when we retire. We get customers from the USA and across the World wanting to replicate this tea house at home. Tregothnan may be able to create a format to actually achieve this. The Tolverne licensed bars are a great attraction on the Fal but the real draw is tea. Now this Tea House can make the most of its link with Tregothnan Tea and really benefit Cornwall tourism. I’m really looking forward to sitting on the other side of the bar for a drink after all these years! My wife Elizabeth is looking forward to a well deserved break from baking scones.'

Up until 1832 it was known as Tolverne Passage Inn and was a transport hub for the Fal. The pub licence continues to this day as does the licence to ferry passengers on the river. It’s great to see this continuing as part of Tregothnan.

The Boscawen Family have lived at Tregothnan since 1335 and Tolverne is a very special part of Tregothnan. Tolverne is within sight of Tregothnan Garden, the home of English Tea and the inspiration for the growing range of products. Whether arriving by land or boat, Tolverne is the hub for the Fal, a truly special place in Cornwall. 2010 will be a transition period for Tolverne and a great opportunity for local people to enjoy the location.

The Tregothnan team are working up plans to take its exclusive products to customers in the UK and across the World. As more and more people taste Tregothnan tea , Kea plum jam and honey they wish to visit Cornwall and Tolverne is a wonderful focus. Tregothnan believe they have developed the perfect Cream tea to enjoy at Tolverne; come and judge for yourself in May. Visitors will be able to take local products away with them as well as ordering online.

'Tregothnan is well known in London and beyond and we have no doubt that Tolverne will become a favourite destination for anyone interested in tea. Tregothnan at Tolverne ensures continuity of the centuries of management of the banks of the Fal. This season Tolverne will be Cornwall’s best kept secret for local people. Tregothnan are passionate about teas, honey and Kea plum jam- at Tolverne these will be presented and other unique items while carefully building upon many centuries of ownership.'

More about this exciting project w ill be included in the talk teas bees and trees of Tregothnan to be given at Trebah Garden this Saturday (6th March). Teas, Bees and Trees is the title of the Tregothnan lecture to be given at Trebah, continuing a long held tradition of the great gardens working together. Tregothnan will not be officially launching its new Cream Teas just yet but, as with its teas, will undertake exhaustive market testing and your feedback is welcome. Tregothnan Garden Director will give the talk.

Tregothnan is presenting topical subjects such as Tolverne in 2010 on pavilion MW3 at Chelsea Flower Show. The UK’s first tea plantation has enabled Tregothnan to put the English into English tea for the first time. Tregothnan Tea has rapidly become well known in the UK and internationally.

Book now for the Cornwall Spring Flower Show and the Tregothnan Garden Opening for Charity, making this the largest Horticultural weekend in 2010, 10th & 11th April. With your help Tregothnan could be the largest garden opening for charity in the UK. All of the gate takings are for charity as well as proceeds from catering and attractions. This years main charity is The Precious Lives Appeal. Early booking is advised. Improved traffic management is in place following a record attendance last year. If you simply cannot make this date then a private visit may be arranged by appointment. Or perhaps it is time to try a Wild Escape? Spring is here and is coming coming your way, if you cannot make it now to Cornwall then allow us to send a little to you in a box...