It was a new beginning a year ago for the owners of a Felixstowe tearoom after bouncing back from a devastating fire at their beloved business.
Jill and Ian Booth opened Nutshells by-the-Sea on September 29 last year, after their beloved business in Stowupland burnt down at the beginning of 2022.
Mr Booth said: “When our Stowupland tearoom burned down to the ground, our first instincts were to rebuild it, but it was just going to take too long.
“We decided to open a place in Felixstowe, as we live close by, in Trimley.
“People who knew us from Stowupland, started visiting us in Felixstowe. We’ve received so much support from the community.”
The couple prepared a chocolate birthday cake to celebrate the first anniversary and are already looking out to preparing a big celebration for their fifth birthday.
Mr Booth added: “We couldn’t be happier. We are just going to continue enjoying it.
“This year has gone so fast, it’s unbelievable.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have such a lovely start here in Felixstowe.
“I’m not saying it’s not been tough, but the support from the local community has been just overwhelming and continues to be so.
“We couldn’t have asked for more.”
The tearoom was warmly welcomed to Hamilton Road in September 2022 and has been buzzing with a good atmosphere and delicious snacks from the day of the opening.
The team room was lost to the blaze and had to be demolished as only twisted metal and charred wood were all that remained the day after the blaze.
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