A POPULAR tea rooms set in some of the most picturesque surrounds of Powys closes today after its owners decided it was too expensive to run and was located too far off-grid.

The Elan Valley Trust, which owns Penbont House, nestled on a hill where the Penygarreg and Garreg-Ddu reservoirs meet, announced in March that the tea rooms would be closing in May, as it had deemed the venue no longer viable in the current economic climate.

Even though overnight guests will be welcomed until May 20, the tea rooms itself will close today (May 13).

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce today marks the final day of operation for Penbont Tea Rooms,” wrote Scott Bibb-MacGregor, who has worked at the tea rooms for the last three years and managed the venue for a year, in an emotional post on the tea rooms’ Facebook page titled 'Goodbye'.

County Times: Penbont House will close for the final time today (May 13). Penbont House will close for the final time today (May 13).

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us throughout the years. Your patronage and loyalty have meant the world to us.

“To our amazing staff, thank you for your hard work, dedication and passion in making Penbont Tea Rooms a special place for our customers. Your efforts have truly made a difference.

“While this chapter may be coming to a close, the memories and connections forged within these walls will forever remain.

“We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your lives.

“Thank you once again for your support, and we hope to cross paths again in the future.”

OTHER NEWS:

The Elan Valley Trust announced Penbont House would close on March 1, ahead of what was expected to be a busy spring and summer season.

But the trust insisted the decision to shut wouldn’t be reversed – despite a petition launched by local people receiving more than 1,700 signatures.

Today’s post attracted numerous well wishes, including from Wendy Thorner, who started the petition.

“We are so grateful for the lovely times you gave us and, as the petition with nearly 1,800 signatures shows, you are very much valued and will be sorely missed,” said Wendy.

“Despite presenting the petition to all the directors, by post and email, not one has had the decency to acknowledge or reply to me on behalf of these many concerned people.”

Lesley O'Donovan said: “This is such a loss, not only to you and the staff who I’m sure felt such loyalty to the place but also for the local community, to the employment market and to the tourism that you’ve so admirably served over the years.”

The post even attracted one comment from a Canadian citizen, who had been planning to visit as part of retirement plans.

Kelly Ritcey said: “This absolutely guts me. We live in Canada and this was the top of our bucket list as we near retirement.”