Teatime at Lavender Cottage

Popular French bistro Lavender Cottage is changing hands for the first time in years.

Its current owners take to the kitchen for the last time Saturday, but the cottage-style restaurant on Peels Place will remain in foodie hands as two local sisters transform it into an English-style tearoom.

Kate Nelson, who currently runs her own cafe Kate’s Place with husband Craig, is joining forces with sister Jessica Hesford and her husband Rob for the new Lavender Cottage.

A large range of teas alongside delicious home-baked scones, cakes and high teas are on the table for the tearoom.

Excited about their new adventure, the sisters said they really wanted to paint the venue as child-friendly.

“We have a beautiful backyard here and we will make a kids’ play area, as there aren’t many places in town that are suitable,” Mrs Nelson said.

“The original Lavender Cottage had such a high reputation and hopefully people still love the new business in the same charismatic cottage.”

The tearooms will also do light lunches such as baguettes, soups and ploughman’s platters.

Kate’s Place will remain open as a cafe and you will see the owners between the two.

Lavender Cottage tearooms is expected to open on February 11 and will be open Monday-Saturday from 9am-4pm.

The new Lavender Cottage Albany Facebook page will post updates on the tearoom.