AN old shop has been transformed into a tea room with a vintage theme.

Rosie Storrar has opened her first tea room - The Gilt Rooms - in Barfield Road, West Mersea.

Her new team of 12 part-time staff will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts, but the main focus will be afternoon teas.

The building used to be Digby’s, a well-known shop on the island selling just about everything.

But it has been derelict for 15 years and Rosie, who leases the building, was keen to bring it back to life.

She said: “It’s just so lovely to see the looks on people’s faces when they walk in.

“There are a lot of memories, people are coming in saying they remember this was here and that was there.”

Rosie, 22, ran her own tea party business Rosie’s Pretty Vintage alongside her studies at Essex University.

Her new venture, which has also involved her fiancé Matt White, opened on Saturday and she is happy with business so far.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

She said: “It’s a big jump but hopefully it’s right. I thought let’s just do it.

“Mersea is just such a beautiful place I thought it was the perfect setting.

“At first I was really nervous. You’re never really sure if people are going to accept or reject a place.

“The amount of generosity and support we’ve had from people, it’s been a bit overwhelming.

“Local businesses were popping in and giving me flowers. Everyone is so welcoming.

“We’ve had some great feedback. It’s just a vote of confidence.

“We’re trying to create something that is community focused.

“It’s a relaxing environment and it’s a bit different.”

Rosie is also hoping to get an alcohol licence to run cocktail nights.