Couple take over the March Hare in Corby Glen and rename it Hattie’s Tearoom after their daughter

A couple have taken over a village tearoom and named it after their daughter.

Shaun and Leanne Mason have taken over the March Hare in Corby Glen, which is now named Hattie’s Tearoom.

Originally from South Witham, Shaun has worked as a chef for the royal family in London, and ran a pub in his home village for four years.

The couple took over the tearooms in September, and said that the previous owners had been “really supportive”.

Shaun, 35, said: “Leanne and I had a baby in November 2022. I was working in London at the time as a chef for the royal family.

“I just didn't want to miss out on too much with my little girl, Hattie, so that’s why I decided to leave that after four years.”

Shaun came back to the area in March of this year, working part time in a bakery before hearing about the opportunity to take over the March Hare, which was established by Amy Roberts back in 2018.

He continued: “It was something that I’d wanted to do for a little while, as a family.

“We changed the name to Hattie’s Tearoom and that’s how it all came about.

“It’s all going really well. We’ve changed the name, uniform and logo, everything like that.

“We’ve had a very good response and support from the community, including customers that came before and some new faces.”

Shaun worked for the royal family as a chef for a total of eight years, serving under both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.

When asked what people can people expect from Hattie’s Tearoom, Shaun said: “A nice, traditional little tearoom.

“All of our cakes will be made in house. We’re trying to do a push on afternoon teas.

“I’m quite big into my pastries, so I’m trying to bring that aspect to it too.”

The couple were pleased to receive a five-star food hygiene rating earlier this month.