A TEAROOM has been given a new lease of life by a Newport duo.

Matt Ellis and Ant Cook, both 32, are preparing to open Parc Pantry Tearooms in an historic venue in a Newport park.

The duo, who last year founded Parc Pantry coffee shop on Larch Grove in Malpas, will open their latest venture in Bellevue Park’s Victorian Pavilion on Saturday.

The business partners, who are both from Bettws and have known each other since nursery, had been looking for a city centre venue to open their second venture.

“We very much feel that our home-base is in Newport and when the opportunity arose to enter into the tender process for the Pavilion, previously run as a tearoom by the City Council, we jumped at the chance,” explained Mr Ellis.

“Rather than repeating what we have done in Malpas we wanted to offer customers a slightly different experience and serve afternoon teas in a picturesque venue.”

Mr Ellis hopes the space will be used by the community for events such as parties, business meetings and weddings.

The tearooms will, initially, run on a reduced service next week with afternoon teas being served from August. They also hope to introduce regular music events in the bandstand below the Pavilion.

The opening will be marked with a fundraising community event on Saturday. Party in the Parc is being held in aid of St David’s Hospice Care. It is being jointly organised by four businesses and will host a variety of food, stalls crafts, live music in the bandstand and entertainment between 11am and 3pm on July 18.