NEWSROOM

The Agency Patisserie & Tea Rooms has received a business start-up grant through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme and owner Angie Bainbridge aims to bring together hospitality, retail, and cultural activities to encourage visitors to spend more time in Ironbridge.

Inside The Agency & Tea Rooms, located at 33 High Street in Ironbridge, the interior combines a character-led theme with a classic look, which is in keeping with the building and local area. 

Open seven days a week it will also offer seasonal afternoon teas with a different theme based on events for every month of the year including Christmas, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter and much more.

Visitors to the tea rooms, which will have a heritage vibe, will feel like they are stepping back in time with curated giftware for sale that will be in keeping with the relevant seasonal theme.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said:

“The launch of the Ironbridge trail in August is helping to put Ironbridge businesses firmly in the spotlight.

“We’re thrilled to see The Agency Patisserie & Tea Rooms open its doors in Ironbridge at the heart of the Ironbridge Detective Trail.

“This tea room will allow visitors to shop and relax and not only supports the trail experience but also strengthens the connection between visitors and the high street by encouraging them to stay longer and engage with local businesses.

“It’s a great way to increase footfall, promote neighbouring independent businesses and strengthen the areas cultural & economic vibrancy.”

As well as support for The Agency & Tea Rooms through a business start-up grant, the Council also handed over an exceptional grant through Pride in Our High Street to help fund promotional materials and officially launch the Ironbridge Detective trail in August.

The Ironbridge Detective Trail features illustrations of animator Leo Wright’s beloved characters Billy & Richmond from his multi award winning film ‘The Big Bad Wolf’, which was made at the home of Wallace & Gromit and Morph.

Angie, who provided the investment for the Ironbridge Detective Trail, will run the project from an adapted room upstairs, where they will screen Leo’s film, with the opportunity for visitors to purchase collectible merchandise and become involved in future exciting club activities. 

Angie said:

“Since its launch, the Ironbridge Detective Trail has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from local families, visitors, and independent businesses alike, with its blend of storytelling, heritage, and hands-on discovery.

“Building on this success, I wanted to take the experience one step further. The vision is to create a dedicated hospitality space that will serve not only as a welcoming retreat but also as a permanent home for the trail itself — a hub where families can begin their detective adventure or celebrate completing it.

“By combining the trail with a warm, inviting venue, the aim is to enrich the visitor experience, support the high street, and foster an even stronger sense of connection to Ironbridge’s unique charm and heritage.”

You can find out more about the Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme here: Telford & Wrekin Council | Pride in our high street