Simon and Roger Hulstone take over running of Torquay tearooms

Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor at the Michelin-starred Elephant in Torquay, has taken over the running of Burridge's Cafe Tearooms in partnership with his chef father, Roger.

The 48-cover harbourside café and tearooms with 12 outside seats, was purchased by Simon's wife, Katy Hulstone, and is being run as a partnership between Simon and Roger.

The focus is on high-class, traditional English afternoon teas, with plans to secure an alcohol licence and extend opening hours during the summer months from its current times of 10am to 4.30pm.

Burridge's, which opened its doors under the operation of the Hulstones at the start of the Easter weekend, is set to receive a repaint and staff will be given new uniforms, but there will be no significant changes to the decor in the short term.

Simon Hulstone said: "I've always been an ambassador for Torquay and have been thinking about a new venture here for a while. With all the recent investment and redevelopment, it feels like the right time to be starting out with a completely different style of venture but with the same values and commitment to quality as with the Elephant. Due to its size and location, Burridge's is a very adaptable site but we are going to see how it goes as a tearoom to begin with, with a view to extending the menu and hopefully taking on a third venture in the coming months.

"The first weekend was a challenge and we learnt a lot but we were very encouraged by the number of people who came in to see us and who've wished us well."