Disabled Travellers take tea at historical Manor house
3
3
Date of visit: June 2022
Overall Rating
Average
Right in the heart of High Street Solihull, the old Manor House is a pleasant place to enjoy mid morning tea break, before venturing out for a days shopping in Solihull. This old 1495 built timber-framed Grade 11 listed building has a little history behind it, but it was never actually belonged to any Lord of the manor, so really not a Manor House at all. It was owned at one time by the Greswolde family, who owned quite a bit of properties in the area, (we offered you a review of the Greswolde Arms in Knowle) Interestingly, it was later known as Lime Tree house because nine Lime trees had been planted here about 1720. The Manor house was bought in 1938 with plans to develope it into a public house, but the war stopped further plans, so it was sold in 1945 and then used as a community association and later, a social centre. Part of the Manor has now been converted into a Tea Room, and offers light snacks and drinks, and is quite popular with visitors and locals alike. From the car park, we did a bit of shopping along High Street, and up into the square, which on a sunny day is a pleasant area to stroll around and see the smaller shops (photos 1-4) (We have given a previous review for Solihull and recommend you reading this as between the two reviews you will see how nice Solihull can be) Near the church at the end of High Street, (photo 5) you will come across the Manor House (photo 6) and just a few feet down Manor walk and it’s paved walkway (photo 7) you will see the level entrance into the Tea room (photo 8). You have a choice now of either the attractive but small cafe (photos 9 and 10) or walk down towards the garden area and sit in the courtyard (photo 11) leaving your chair beside the cafe entrance (photo 12) while you find a seat and order your refreshments (photos 13-15) or go out to the delightful small well kept gardens (photos 16-18) The disabled toilet is just along the corridor past the tea room counter, it’s small but very clean, but we don’t think you will get your chair into it, and corridor to narrow to leave chair by the door (photos 19 and 20) OUR FINAL THOUGHTS Yes, it’s worth visiting, not the old miss Marple rooms we hoped for, but pleasant enough. We had a nice HOT pot of tea for two, and nice to be able to look out onto the gardens.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
We found it easy enough to arrive at the Manor, all on the level as you walk around Solihull shops, and into the Manor, with a level entrance, and places to put your chair whilst enjoying a drink. We managed to find seats for refreshments, but would be difficult if tea room full.
Parking & Transport
Good
Parking is available in the Tourchwood car park very near to High Street, and has disabled bays, and High Street itself is all on the level.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
There is a disabled toilet, just a basic small room, but it has pull cord and grab rail. Plainly tiled with modern facilities, but nice and clean.
Staff
Average
So so, not that friendly I’m sorry to say, and we had to go and order at the counter.
