A long-planned transformation at a much-loved Maldon tearoom became a reality because of the pandemic.

Mrs Salisbury's Famous Tearooms in Bright's Path has long been a favourite with town centre shoppers – and in the last few months a mobile version in the form of the now familiar vintage van at Promenade Park has also proved popular.

But the second national lockdown gave the owners of the tearooms the chance to complete work on a stunning move to the larger Church House premises at the front of Bright's Path.

The refurbishment of the house, started earlier this summer, to accommodate the tearooms over two much bigger floors has meant the venue can now offer improved Covid-safety in time for Christmas in elegantly-styled surroundings.

The old tearooms will be turned back into a charming cottage

Manager Charlie Goss said: "We had planning permission for a long time, but when the pandemic came we realised we needed to do something to give us more space.

"The former tearoom was lovely but just not big enough anymore and the building is very old. Now it is being turned back to the little one-bedroomed cottage it was before and given a bit of rest."

The exciting move was welcomed by the business's Facebook page users, with almost 1,000 'likes' on the announcement within hours.

Charlie added: "The comments have been very moving and the support we have had from the community through the summer months of this crisis has been amazing.

"We hope now that things will continue to improve for everyone and with our new building we have a third floor that we can grow into when we need to, as well as continuing with our courtyard area, where the ski gondolas are now ready, too."

And Charlie has revealed that the van at the park should be with us for months to come. The contract at the Prom lasts through to March and Mrs Salisbury's hopes to continue a presence there at least until then, circumstances allowing.

The Bright's path tearooms will be open until 7pm this evening in line with the town centre's late evening festive Thursday shopping opportunities.

You can find out more details about Mrs Salisbury's or get in contact by visiting the Facebook page here or the website here.