Sam’s top of the list for an invitation to park tea room (From Knutsford Guardian)

Sam’s top of the list for an invitation to park tea room

10:10am Sunday 30th December 2012 in News By James Wilson

THE former home of a Tatton head gardener is set to be turned into a tea room by park bosses.

Tatton Park has put in planning documents to convert the head gardener’s house on the corner of the walled garden into a tea room for visitors.

Sam Youd retired as head gardener at the park earlier this year, with colleague Simon Tetlow taking over.

The 65-year-old spent 32 years running the historic estate’s 50 acres, and was considered one of the country’s experts, often appearing on TV and radio.

But after moving out of Tatton’s grounds – and moving to an apartment in Moorside in Knutsford – park chiefs found they had Sam’s house empty.

Tatton Park manager Brendan Flanagan said the park had decided to offer something different for visitors.

“There are two things behind it, one is that the catering at the moment is in the stables, and that is a self-service restaurant which provides a good service to visitors,” he said.

“We know from visitor feedback and surveys there is a demand for other types of catering as well, with one being waiting on at tables. The gardener’s cottage will provide that.

“It will provide outside seating in the two gardens, one which is at the back of the cottage, and the other in front overlooking the walled garden.”

Brendan said the tea room would offer table service, cakes and teas.

“We’ll certainly be inviting Sam around for tea when it opens,” he said.

“It’s a different use for the building, but it’s keeping it in use, and it’s about making sure we are offering visitors what they are looking for.

“We are trying to ensure it keeps it character and there’s no major change to the building – it will still be a house and will be in the future.”

Tatton Park hope to have the tea room open by the end of April.

l What do you think about Tatton Park’s plans for Sam’s old house? E-mail yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk.