An East Ayrshire very sheltered housing development has given tenants the opportunity to step back in time by brewing up a refreshing retro treat for their tenants.

Menzies Court, managed by housing and care provider Bield, have created a unique tea room for their tenants with a dash of adoration for the past.

Marie Reid, manager at Menzies Court, said: “It is great to have this space for the tenants. The room offers something unique and different.

“The tea room encourages a lot of interaction – everyone gets together for a chat around the tables and, with a little help from the décor, often start reminiscing.”

Named for its décor, The Sweet Rose Tea Room has been given an old fashioned style inspired by a kind-hearted donation of a beautiful set of table and chairs from a tenant’s family.

Using retro and antique furniture, cake stands, floral plates, tea sets, and even an old rotary dial telephone the room offers a flash back in time. Even the utensils for the afternoon tea service are stored in a–vintage dresser.

Every month the room is used for an afternoon tea where a full service is offered including cakes and sandwiches and an array of drinks. When an entertainer is booked an afternoon tea service will also be provided before the performance.

The room is available to be booked by tenants for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. This allows families to come along and join the celebrations and tenants do not need to venture outside if they prefer to celebrate closer to home..

Marie added: “We aim to offer an extremely enriching environment for our tenants and we are incredibly grateful for the donation of the table and chairs. I am very pleased with the end result of the room.

“The tenants thoroughly enjoy the monthly afternoon tea and getting to make use of the space.”

The Sweet Rose Tea Room is a fantastic example of Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ ethos that seeks to let people make their own independent choice as much as possible.