Our Story
Where our dream became a reality
In June 2017 we all decided to take a huge leap out of the 9 till 5 jobs & pursue a new family venture together so Michele (Mum), Tony (Dad) and Rebecca (Daughter) teamed up to open a new tearoom.
After searching long & hard we stumbled across a shop which was right on our doorstep in Market Harborough & everything just fell into place!
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Many family evenings were used to think of a name but one just stuck.... 'Sweet Pea's Tearoom' and why? Because Rebecca's Daughter (Michele & Tony's Granddaughter) is called Penelope and while thinking that her name would be shortened to Penny, as soon as she was born she was known as Pea!
We had huge success at Adam & Eve Street in Market Harborough so when Kelmarsh Hall contacted us with the amazing opportunity to relocate and expand it was the perfect place for us to continue the dream.
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EDIT: We are now entering our 4th season at Kelmarsh Hall! We are overwhelmed by the record amount of visitors last year and cannot wait to see what the 2024 season brings.
Love from the Payne Family x
MICHELE
Mrs Sweet Pea
Michele is the Owner who worked for Leicestershire Police for 20+ years and decided to take early retirement to live her dream. She loves making new friends and new family with our lovely customers.
TONY
Mr Sweet Pea
Tony is Michele's Husband aka the grumpy chef. He originally trained as a chef but worked for the Royal Mail for 35 years so is now re-using his qualifications to cook up a storm in the Sweet Pea's Kitchen. He can be found freshly making, baking and preparing all our locally sourced products.
REBECCA AMELIA
Ms Sweet Pea
Rebecca is Tony & Michele's daughter who after many years at Harborough District Council decided a change was called for and with her previous retail experience she brings her creativity to the shop and always serves a smile.
PENELOPE IRIS
Miss Sweet Pea
Penelope is Rebecca's daughter (Tony & Michele's Granddaughter).Â
She is the inspiration for the name as she is also fondly known as Pea. She can regularly be found practicing her skills by assisting taking orders and handing out sweets and taste testing the cakes.