WHAT a pity that the popular tea room in Bolton’s Smithills Hall is closing after December 24.

Family-run SM Restaurants, which operates a number of restaurants locally, opened the tea room in July last year and it has since proved a hit with visitors.

Its combination of good food and quick, efficient service will be missed. No reason is given for the closure and the Council says it hopes to continue the café once current management leaves.

Let’s hope they’re able to find a comparable replacement. Serving up tasty food, swift service and rich local history is a winning recipe.