New cafe is home for detective trail
A new patisserie and tea rooms in Ironbridge is now a permanent base for the Ironbridge Detective Trail.
The Agency Patisserie & Tea Rooms has opened its doors, aiming to blend hospitality, retail, and cultural activities to keep visitors in the area longer. Owner Angie Bainbridge secured a business start-up grant from Telford & Wrekin Council’s ‘Pride in Our High Street’ programme.
The tea rooms are open seven days a week and will offer seasonal afternoon teas. The themes will change monthly, based on events like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter.
Visitors are set to feel as if they are stepping back in time with a heritage vibe and giftware for sale.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said: “The launch of the Ironbridge trail in August is helping to put Ironbridge businesses firmly in the spotlight. We’re thrilled to see The Agency Patisserie & Tea Rooms open its doors in Ironbridge.”
He added: “This tea room will allow visitors to shop and relax. It not only supports the trail experience but also strengthens the connection between visitors and the high street by encouraging them to stay longer and engage with local businesses.”
The Council also provided an exceptional grant through the ‘Pride in Our High Street’ scheme. This helped fund promotional materials to officially launch the detective trail in August.
The trail features illustrations of animator Leo Wright’s characters, Billy and Richmond. They are from his multi-award-winning film ‘The Big Bad Wolf,’ which was made at the home of Wallace & Gromit and Morph.
Angie Bainbridge invested in the detective trail and will run the project from an adapted room upstairs. They plan to screen Leo’s film there. Visitors will have the chance to buy collectible merchandise and get involved in future club activities.
Angie said: “Since its launch, the Ironbridge Detective Trail has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from local families, visitors, and independent businesses alike, with its blend of storytelling, heritage, and hands-on discovery. Building on this success, I wanted to take the experience one step further.”
She explained that the vision is to create a dedicated hospitality space that will serve as a permanent home for the trail itself. This will be a hub where families can begin or celebrate completing their detective adventure.
“By combining the trail with a warm, inviting venue, the aim is to enrich the visitor experience, support the high street, and foster an even stronger sense of connection to Ironbridge’s unique charm and heritage,” Angie concluded.
