VALLUM tea room and shop has been given a bright new look in time for summer.

The tea room has been expanded and revamped and the ice cream parlour has been moved into the shop.

One of the owners, Vicky Moffitt, said: “We have been wanting to expand and revamp our tearoom and shop for a long time.

“Extending the tea room and introducing waitress service means families who want to relax and spend time with us can, without queuing and waiting around.

“Additionally, by moving the ice cream parlour to the shop, customers who want to pop in for fresh produce, an ice cream or speedy rest and recuperation will find the shop more accommodating.”

The tea room and shop has proved popular with those walking Hadrian’s Wall.

Inside seating has been added and outside seating is available next to a children’s play area.

Owners, the Moffitts, have also worked to put their produce, made on-site using with their own and local ingredients, centre stage.

So a full-sized billiard table, once owned by a toffee baron, is now used to display Vallum produce.

Vicky said: “As we are developing and increasing our production on site, we are aiming to stock our shop with 90 per cent of Vallum produce by the end of the year.

“We have such an amazing resource here and wanted to celebrate that.”

The revamp of Vallum tea room and shop featured the skills of the Michael Taylor Studio.

To help them revamp the tea room, the Moffitts employed the interior design skills of Michael Taylor Studio.

Michael Taylor said: “We were very conscious of the affection in which the tea room is held, and have taken the approach to refresh where necessary, but have retained as much of the laid back, ‘come as you are’ attitude that defined the original tea room.

“It’s a space to reflect the incredibly diverse clientele who visit Vallum.

“Where else would kitten heels mix with hiking boots, and wellies go toe to toe with cycling cleats.”