The Old Wharf Tea Rooms – strategically located at the midway point of the Grantham Canal, approximately 17 miles from both Grantham & Nottingham, has recently gone under a dramatic, yet sympathetic restoration.

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This Grade II listed building, completed between 1793-1797, was originally constructed as a warehouse to store wares carried on the busy waterways of this era. The warehouse was used for storing both grains harvested in the local area and coal for use in the factories and homes of the local residents. The building was used right up until 1935, when rail power superseded the waterways for ease of commodity movements. The “Wharf” fell into disrepair and was left abandoned for another 80 years or so.

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After several failed attempts by others to gain planning or development rights, Chris decided to give it a go! After months of meetings and consultations planning was finally approved to rejuvenate the “Wharf” -but under the strictest of conditions. No plaster was to be used, original flag stone flooring re-layed in exactly the same pattern as originally installed, no painting of the walls – even the electrics had to be put back to the historical era – albeit a lot safer! Chris spent 20 months, mostly single handily, slaving away on the building & conforming to the rigorous historical specifications to make it what it is today

Chris finally opened his doors on a sunny May bank holiday weekend in 2017 and The Old Wharf Tea Rooms was born! With seating inside across 2 storeys for over 50 customers, and additional seating areas outside for up to 140, The Wharf serves locally sourced, fresh, wholesome food and drinks as well as being fully licenced to serve alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re looking for a Cappuccino, a freshly filled baguette, locally baked cake or a glass of Pinot – “The Old Wharf” can cater for all!

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This historic building has been sympathetically repurposed and brought back to life for everyone to enjoy. Be you a rambler, cyclist, fisherman or fisherwoman for that matter, a runner, a car driver, a motorcyclist or a horse rider, a dog walker, a busy individual looking for time away from the grindstone (Wifi available!) – or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of this lovely part of Leicestershire, head on down to Hickling and take a look for yourself at this absolute gem!