Ploughcroft Tea Room To Reopen As The Maple Leaf Tea Room in Late April

Downtown Lynchburg expectantly awaits the reopening of The Maple Leaf Tea Room for business under its new name and ownership, currently slated for late April. 

The Maple Leaf Tea Room — formerly known as the Ploughcroft Tea Room — will officially open its doors April 19 following a brief period of closure. Patricia Hutto, the previous owner of the Tea Room, concluded her time with the tea room mid-December 2024 before returning home to England.  

Cheryl Carter, the new owner, had the privilege of working alongside Hutto for four years before she decided to continue the business’ legacy after Hutto announced her retirement plans.  

The new name is inspired by Carter’s Canadian heritage, coupled with playful nod to tea leaves. The menu will feature a blend of old favorites and new brews — honoring traditional tea specialties while introducing Canadian-inspired dishes and flavors.  

Guests will be able to enjoy a lunch selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and quiches, as well as traditional afternoon tea served with scones, sweet pastries and finger sandwiches. Premium tea selections are to be offered by the teapot, and gluten-friendly recipes will also be available to accommodate dietary restrictions. A more extensive view of the menu can be found on the tea room’s Facebook page.  

During the its period of closure, the tearoom underwent renovations; much of the work focused on modernizing the kitchen for greater efficiency, while the sitting area was refreshed with new paint, furniture, fixtures, theatrical-inspired decorations and unique teaware. Many of these pieces were hand-selected from antique shops and thrift stores across the U.S. and Canada, adding an eclectic charm to the shop’s aesthetic. w 

During the renovation process, Carter aspired to retain the same feel of the shop held throughout the many years of Hutto’s ownership, keeping some of the original decorations while adding her own personal touches — each with its own story. It is Carter’s intention to preserve Hutto’s legacy in the space, all while creating an environment that feels relaxing, homey and inviting.  

“The idea is to be able to come and sit with friends, talk, enjoy good food and tea and not feel rushed,” Carter said. 

In addition to regular service, the tearoom will also host private parties and events such as bridal showers, anniversaries and graduation celebrations. In the future, Carter hopes to expand the offerings of the tea room by planning more community-centered events — including theatrical performances, late-night tea gatherings, daddy-daughter tea days and more. Local community members who have been loyal customers for years have eagerly looked forward to the reopening.  

Jasmine, a past customer who stopped by to check if the shop had reopened, shared her affection for the business.  

“I loved the food, the people, the welcoming atmosphere and the affordability,” she said. 

Following it’s reopening, the shop’s regular hours will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with reservations accepted until 1:30 p.m., while authentic afternoon tea will be available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tea room will also be closed Sundays. To ensure ample seating, reservations are recommended, although walk-ins will be welcomed if the space allows.  

For more information, visit the Maple Leaf Tea Room’s Facebook page or website at www.themapleleaftearoom.com. Guests can also call the tearoom at 434-232-7732.  

Rice is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.