Long-Awaited Old Mill English Tea Room Set To Open In Somers

SOMERS, CT — Nearly two years after acquiring a former bed-and-breakfast building at 63 Maple Street in Somersville, Nancy Knorr's dream is about to finally come to fruition, as the exquisite Old Mill English Tea Room is ready for its doors to be opened.

Located in a Greek Revival-style structure built in 1860, the site is included on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Somersville Historic District. The tea room will officially open Tuesday.

Knorr had intended to open the business in 2020, but held off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, she told Patch, "I don't mind waiting - I've waited this long to do it."

The long wait is finally over. In an email to family and friends, Knorr wrote;

"I’ve been busily preparing for this day for over a year and it’s finally here! It’s been a long time coming, but it’s also been a rewarding process!

"I’d like to thank all of you for your patience during these long awaited months and for your continued interest in The Old Mill English Tea Room. I’ve made many friends, like you, who have called or emailed for reservations. You’ve all expressed amazing interest and I’m truly thrilled by your response. I can’t wait to share an afternoon with you and of course, over a cup of tea!"

Among the items displayed in different rooms are a wooden horse and a life-size cutout of Queen Elizabeth. The menu for events will include finger sandwiches, scones and baked goods, as well as an assortment of teas.

Knorr said she was able to furnish the various rooms with treasures her grandmother had stashed away for years in England.

"The neat thing is I am able to display a lot of things my grandmother had in boxes for decades - things I had never seen even in my childhood," she said. "After my aunt - her daughter - passed, we discovered all these treasures, and everything pointed to a tea room."

Reservations are being accepted via phone at 860-999-1399, by email at theoldmillenglishtearoom@gmail.com, or online at www.theoldmillenglishtearoom.com.

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