Taryn Byron, the owner of Lily's Victorian Tea Rooms on Hall Street in St Helens, has said she "might as well shut" her business due to major sewer and pipework roadworks that she fears will devastate trade for the next 12 months. The 41-year-old took over the tea room in 2013 after leaving an office job to pursue her lifelong dream of running a traditional, homemade food business inspired by her grandmother's recipes. Now, she says that dream is under threat.
Impact on trade and customer access
Byron told the Liverpool Echo: "I might as well shut the tea rooms because we don't get anybody coming in. People think all the businesses at this end are closed when the road is shut. Not just that, people can't get to us because of transport. Taxis won't pull up and people won't walk around from the back. It's wrong what they're doing and they never offer any support or compensation." She added that during a previous nine-week road closure that stretched to 12 weeks, the tea room was "literally getting two customers a day." On a typical summer day, the venue would welcome between 30 and 40 customers, aided by its outdoor seating area.
Council's regeneration programme
St Helens Council confirmed that the roadworks are part of an "ambitious transformation programme" for the town centre, linked to the construction of the new St Helens Transport Interchange. The works involve essential enabling activity on sections of Corporation Street and Library Street, including installation of a new drainage system as part of wider highways improvements. Corporation Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic between its junctions with Library Street and Hall Street, and Library Street will be shut between Bickerstaffe Street and its junction with Corporation Street. The work hours are 8am to 5pm, starting Monday, May 4, and currently scheduled to be completed by Friday, January 22, 2027, though the timetable is subject to change.
Council response to business concerns
A council spokesperson said: "Delivery of the ambitious St Helens Town Centre regeneration programme is progressing positively, and the next phase will require a number of temporary road closures to facilitate the installation of a new highway layout and a modern, future-proofed drainage system. We understand the impact this may have on nearby businesses, which is why our project team, together with VINCI Building (the programme's main contractor), is proactively engaging with them to understand their needs and help shape plans to minimise disruption wherever possible. We will continue to keep businesses, residents and visitors updated as the works progress. We are grateful for the community’s patience and want to reassure everyone that St Helens town centre remains open for business, with a wide range of fantastic local traders ready to welcome visitors."
Loyal customer base and homemade menu
Despite the uncertainty, Lily's Victorian Tea Rooms has built a loyal following, known for its full English breakfasts, homemade chips, and steak and Guinness pie. Byron said: "Probably our most popular dish is the steak and Guinness pie. I used to sit there and watch my nan make it. So many of her recipes are on the menu, especially her homemade cakes. I don't know what is so good about the steak and Guinness pie but people always tell me it is the best they have ever had. I get asked how to make it but I will never give the recipe away." She added that she has kept prices down during the cost of living crisis to ensure regular customers can still afford to eat there. "My regulars have supported me throughout and I know them all by name. It is a nice homely atmosphere here from the moment you walk in. They are the most important people and I think people love it because we cook good homemade food. We take our time to speak to everyone who comes through the door and we do treat people like family."
