Best Of Breed Reputation

Beatons makes owning a tea room that delivers generous value and gracious hospitality an affordable reality

If you’re curious about why a Beatons franchise is such an attractive proposition, read on. Franchising is a more secure option than setting up a new business from scratch - neither of Beatons’ first two franchisees had run their own companies before, but wanted to own family businesses.

Beatons Tearooms and Bookshop group makes owning a tea room that delivers generous value and gracious hospitality an affordable reality.

Inspiration

With its name and styling inspired by society photographer Cecil Beaton and distinguishing itself through table service, loose leaf teas, home-made cakes and light meals, the retirement and baby boomer market is proving hungry for Beatons’ offering.

The company enjoys a best-of-breed reputation in the south west, where the brand is recognised as delivering a sophisticated and contemporary take on the quintessential traditional English tea room. With a values-based ethos to serve the growing swell of people wanting to offset online overwhelm with real world engagement in convivial, culturally stimulating and calm surroundings, its model is proving highly successful - expanding into Cheshire and Berkshire.

Founded by Wiltshire entrepreneur Patrick Duffy, the group capitalises on the continuing growth in the beverage sector and by filling the gap created by the loss of the independent bookshop - its curated book choice prompting extra add-on spend.

Adventure

Mirroring its attentiveness to customers is its full service to franchisees. Franchisee Paul Mitchell says: “From the outset, Patrick allayed my fears and is turning a daunting challenge into a great adventure.”

The investment required is £50,000. The franchise package includes interior fit-out, design and planning; operating systems; full training; launch PR; initial and ongoing marketing support; and dedicated central operations expertise, including a full-time on-site manager for the first month of operation.