THE future of the Odette's town centre tearoom has been assured after it was agreed an employee would take the reins of the business.

Former deputy mayor of Wellington, Nancy Powell-Brace, decided to step away from the business late last year, citing rising overheads and falling profits.

Since she retired from 'active duty' in September, her assistant, Toby Brimacombe, had been running the business while the pair evaluated the best way to move forward.

After a transitional period of four months it has now been agreed that Toby, who started work at the tearoom as a casual worker, before completing an apprenticeship in hospitality, will now move forward as the new business owner.

Speaking to the Wellington Weekly News, Ms Powell-Brace encouraged residents to 'rally around' the young owner and back him in his efforts to see Odette's thrive into the future. She said:

"After a transitional period of four months, the ownership, management and directorship of Odette's Tearoom Ltd has been passed on to Toby Brimacombe. 

"Toby has been working at the tearoom for four years now having started as a casual worker, then completing his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hospitality through the tearoom, to becoming joint owner in 2023.

"With my retirement on January 1, 2024, Toby has now taken the opportunity to move forward with the business.This has been made possible, in no small part, because of the support and help given to the tearoom, throughout its existence, by the landlords. Their help with the transition has been invaluable. "I hope the town will rally round Toby and support this young man in his determination to see Odette's Tearoom continue to thrive on the High Street."