There are plenty of good reasons to stop at the Hundred Men’s Hall Tearooms. Homemade cake, a good cup of coffee and somewhere rather special to enjoy them are certainly among them. But ask anyone who visits regularly what makes HMH special, and our wonderful volunteers are likely to feature fairly early in the conversation.
Their warmth, enthusiasm and hard work have helped make this a year worth celebrating, with extended opening hours proving a success and sales at Michaelmas doubling.
Earlier this year, we introduced extra opening hours to give people more opportunities to enjoy the tearooms. It was a commitment from the team, and it has been lovely to see that effort rewarded. Whether visitors are meeting friends, taking a break from a walk or discovering St Cross for the first time, HMH offers a welcoming place to pause.
That welcome takes work. Behind every cup served is time given generously, alongside the preparation, clearing up and countless small jobs that keep the tearooms running. Our volunteers bring energy and personality to it all, making visitors feel at home even when there is plenty to keep them busy.
Michaelmas was a particularly impressive example. As the Fair brought visitors together across St Cross, the tearoom team rose to the occasion, with HMH sales doubling. That is a tremendous achievement and a very well-deserved moment of recognition for everyone involved.
It also captures something we see throughout the year: people choosing to give their time and care to this remarkable place, and visitors responding to the experience they create.
The same spirit extends across St Cross. From helping in the gardens to supporting events and welcoming visitors, volunteers contribute so much to the life of our heritage site. They help make it somewhere people can enjoy today, while caring for what makes it special for the future.
We are enormously grateful to them, and to everyone who supports their work by visiting, bringing friends and spreading the word.
As the days grow shorter, there is another opportunity to do just that. HMH Tearooms will be open from Monday 2nd November until Saturday 12th December inclusive, from 10.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Saturday. The tearooms will be closed on Sundays.
Make us part of your winter wander, arrange that overdue catch-up or bring someone who has yet to discover St Cross. Enjoy a cuppa, treat yourself to something delicious and help us keep this lovely story growing.
Our incredible volunteers give so much to HMH and the wider site. Coming along to enjoy what they make possible is a wonderful way to show your support.
