JTO Vintage & The Old Bank Tea Rooms

Filled with a steady stream of visitors, it’s hard to believe that the Old Bank Tea Rooms came about by happy accident. Owner Diane planned to relocate her furniture restoration business from Frodsham to a larger space in Helsby’s old bank building, including somewhere to offer tea and cake. Such was its popularity that the furniture was quickly replaced by a full tea-room serving crumpets, homemade soup, panini, scones and generous slices of locally baked cakes. It is licensed, too, with a small selection of wine, lager, beer and cider.

There are vintage light fittings and tables dressed with country-chic table cloths; the room rings with chatter. A range of heritage gifts, cards and local art and crafts are for sale on the shelves and dressers. The large, covered garden is decorated with the same thoughtful panache. If you’re feeling sprightly, earn some extra cake space with a hike up the iron age hill fort at nearby Helsby Hill.