Beatons Tearooms is the elegant franchise reviving British high streets
Patrick Duffy, founder and CEO of the Beatons group, was the first to spot a huge gap in the UK high street way back in 2010.
Where could you enjoy exceptional table service and quintessentially English afternoon tea (or the finest coffee or indulgent hot chocolate for that matter) in your home town? It’s a gap the group has been quietly filling with its clever combination of a tearooms with a small but enticing collection of books for sale.
Patrick chose his own modest village of Tisbury in Wiltshire to launch the first Beatons. It was an instant success, reviving the village in a recessionary environment.
Gracious hospitality
The name, branding and stylish interiors are inspired by fashion icon Cecil Beaton, royal photographer and costume designer, who lived locally. The brand has swiftly become synonymous with elegance and ‘gracious hospitality’ and makes franchisees’ dreams of owning a successful tearooms an affordable reality.
Patrick developed the franchise model, while carefully building on the group’s reputation. Beatons’ first female franchisees launch their tearooms in Petersfield and New Milton in Hampshire this autumn. This gives the group a national presence of six units from Chester to Blandford Forum in Dorset, with more in the pipeline.
Increasingly, individuals are seeking a lifestyle that takes them out of corporate life, away from screens and long commutes, which fulfil lifelong ambitions.
What makes Beatons different? Its ethos, for a start. Beatons’ philosophy is based on delivering generous value, a restorative experience and gracious hospitality with attentiveness, elegance and that vital ingredient - heart and passion.
Patrick says: “How we do that is our hidden secret, although every franchisee buys into it at the outset.”
Relaxing environment
As a franchisee, you’ll provide a range of over 30 loose leaf teas, creating a relaxing and friendly place to meet, have breakfast, lunch or the afternoon tea experience.
Live community engagement is vital, with each franchisee choosing a charity to support each year.
You’ll discover how to take care of the little things - from serving mouth-watering home-baked cakes from polished bespoke Villeroy & Boch china, to hosting your own events to delight your loyal customer base.
“Repeat business is as important to us as the jam and cream on your scones,” Patrick says. “We help you create that from day one.”
Naturally, Beatons takes great care in the franchisee selection process, although comprehensive training is provided in everything you need to know to run a successful tearooms.
Beatons’ offering includes:
- A unique brand synonymous with
elegance.
- Commitment to developing a legacy you’ll be proud of.
- Deliberately affordable investment level.
- Security - expert support at every stage in every business area.
- Nurturing a sense of belonging and feeling fulfilled.
- The opportunity to become the hub of your community.
- A successful values-based model.
- Being part of a group with a best-of-breed reputation.
