Woman to open Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Burnley

Lisa Hill is preparing to open Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Padiham Road, Burnley, this Saturday (July 13).

Lisa hopes the tea room, a small restaurant or cafe where tea and other light refreshments are served, will become a “community hub”.

Lisa Hill (Image: Lisa Hill)

She said: “I wanted a community hub where everyone can go and have a cup of tea and not feel alone.

“I’ve had my eye on this property for a few years and luckily it was still vacant when I had the funds and capacity to do this.

“I was drawn to this place I love the windows and the space is very homely and welcoming.

"When we took it on it was a mess and we have spent a lot of money renovating it.”

Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Burnley (Image: Lisa Hill)

The business is a family endeavour, named after Lisa’s 90-year-old grandmother and renovated by friends and family.

Lisa said: “We named it after my 90-year-old Grandma. Her nickname was ‘Muddy Boots’ because she was a keen rambler. She used to lead walks in the Lake District.

“The place has been renovated as a labour of love from my family. Everything in the tearoom has been done by my family and I am truly grateful.”

Inside Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Burnley (Image: Lisa Hill)

Lisa, 44, said a selection of teas, both traditional and flavoured, and food items will be made available to customers.

Savoury and sweet brunch boards, porridge, breakfast parfait, tea cakes, bagels and cream cheese, cheese on toast with chilli jam, avocado and poached egg on toast, are some of the food items on the menu.

Lisa and her family have spent 12 weeks renovating the site, with neutral colours, artificial brickwork and quirky features including Wellington Boot plant pots.

Inside Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Burnley (Image: Lisa Hill)

While she is excited, Lisa is also nervous about the venture as she has left her career in education, an industry she worked in for 18 years, in order to pursue her dream.

The business will also sell wooden duck ornaments that have been hand-painted.

Inside Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Burnley (Image: Lisa Hill)

Lisa said: “I am very excited but a little bit anxious.

"I have worked in education for 18 years so it is a big jump for me, but something I have wanted to do for a long time.

Inside Muddy Boots and Puddle Ducks in Burnley (Image: Lisa Hill)

“The timing is just right as all my children have grown up now. I am also in a better place financially to make that leap.

“The local community has been so supportive and welcoming and have been approaching us daily, offering cups of tea.”