While the May Gibbs’ tearoom has a new look, the signature scones have stayed the same
For Jacqui Brooks, whipping up a batch of fresh scones for the Bib and Bub Tearoom is something she loves to do. For more than 18 years she has volunteered at the tearoom, which is located on the grounds of Nutcote, the heritage-listed home of May Gibbs in Neutral Bay. On Wednesdays, Jacqui can be found baking delicious treats for the café.
She was on the hunt for a volunteering job that would make her feel happy after she retired and sold her catering business, and found what she needed at the tearoom. “The people who come in are just delightful,” Jacqui says. “They know everybody is a volunteer and is doing their best and I think they admire you for that.”
Jacqui is one of around 12 regular volunteers at the tearoom, which is owned by North Sydney Council. Along with two other volunteers, Jenny and Semra, Jacqui bakes scones, muffins, cookies and more for the café. They cater mainly to visitors who come and take a tour of Nutcote, which was the former home of Australian children’s author May Gibbs, famous for her Snugglepot and Cuddlepie books, and the Bib and Bub cartoon strip. The house has been lovingly restored and maintained by volunteers for many years.
After taking a tour of the house, visitors call into the tearoom for lunch. “Many of them are tourists and some of them come from a long way away,” Jacqui says. “Others have wonderful stories to tell you about their mothers reading them (May Gibbs’) books to them when they were young.”
The Tearooms are open in line with the Nutcote (Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm) and can be hired for private events. There are special occasions like May Gibbs’ birthday in January when visitors with Scottie dogs and West Highland Terriers are invited to lunch on the lawn. It’s a nod to May’s love of her own Scottish Terriers.
Recently, the tearoom underwent a renovation, funded by council and a NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant. The tearoom now has a new kitchen and appliances, and the terrace has been fully waterproofed and finished with sandstone paving.
Megan Sadler, manager of May Gibbs’ Nutcote, says she is delighted with the renovations. “It’s a beautiful, welcoming space that enhances the experience for our visitors and, just as importantly, provides our volunteers with facilities that truly reflect the dedication and care they bring to Nutcote each and every day,” she says.
To volunteer at Nutcote, visit maygibbs.com.au
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