Chez Shamwari is described as “Saltaire’s best kept secret”.

It’s something of an underground movement involving clandestine gatherings of strangers.

It’s all arranged via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, and the address of the meeting place is revealed on a need-to-know basis.

Only when those in the know finally arrive can the contents of the cake-stand finally be unveiled.

It all sounds a bit cloak-and-dagger, but Chez Shamwari is actually a ‘secret tearoom’, held in the home of self-confessed foodie Shirley Quarmby. This summer she will be serving up treats as part of community events taking place in the village.

“Calling it an underground tea-room makes people think I’ve set something up in the cellar!” laughs Shirley. “I suppose you could call it a clandestine tearoom experience. It’s all about getting people together around the kitchen table for some good, home-cooked food and lively conversation. It engenders community spirit.”

Shirley was inspired by the trend of ‘secret supper clubs’, offering a restaurant-style dining experience held in private homes.

Born in Zimbabwe, she says the literal translation of Chez Shamwari is ‘at my friend’s house’.

“The word ‘shamwari’ means ‘friend’ in Shona, the predominant language of the indigenous Mashona people of Zimbabwe. It has special meaning to me, having grown up with it as a term of endearment,” says Shirley.

“Sitting down to share a meal presents the opportunity to make new friends – food breaks the ice. I love that social element of dining.”

Shirley has always enjoyed cookng and has attended cookery courses run by Bettys tearooms.

“My mum was a keen cook – growing up in Zimbabwe I used to watch her make everything from scratch. I didn’t know you could buy fast food in the supermarket. Even now, I like to make things from scratch if I can,” she says.

“I love entertaining and often have friends and family around my kitchen table for lunch, dinner or just coffee and cake. I’ve dreamed of running my own little tea-shop for years, but it all seemed a step too far.

“A secret tearoom in my own home seemed just right for me. I can try it in a safe environment, and see how it goes.

“I’ve been to a few secret supper clubs and enjoyed the community spirit – it’s a good way to meet new people.”

Shirley held her first tea party recently, and says the feedback was encouraging.

“It was a practice run with a few friends one Saturday afternoon. The six of them didn’t know each other, but the conversation and laughter were soon flowing,” she says.

“We had blinis with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and dill, then pasta in an aubergine case and a tossed green salad, followed by banoffee cheesecake with toffee pecan sauce.”

Guests at Chez Shamwari are served a three-course lunch or afternoon tea. Shirley’s mouthwatering menus, which can be viewed on her website, include chargrilled aubergine and roasted tomato, chicken cacciatore with Sicilian potato cake and steamed asparagus, wild rice with green beans, roasted butternut and red onion ravioli, cape seed loaf, pear and stilton tartlet and chocolate and lemon tart.

Afternoon teas include finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes, pastries and cream scones.

“I’m not a trained chef, but I like good, wholesome food, “ says Shirley. “I can serve a maximum of six people and I ask for a donation. I’m planning themed afternoon teas – I have a Taste Of South Africa event coming up – and I’ll be serving Victorian cream teas during the Saltaire Festival, on September 17 and 18. This autumn I’m planning an American Thanksgiving meal.”

Bookings are via the internet and guests don’t find out the address until the week before the meal.

“Once they’ve booked, I go through menus and dietary requirements with them,” says Shirley. “My next events co-incide with the Saltaire Festival and the Saltaire Archive Summer Exhibition at Shipley College.”

Shirley’s next afternoon tea is A Taste Of South Africa on Saturday, August 6, then lunch on Saturday, August 20.

  • For more information, e-mail chezshamwari@gmail.com or visit chezshamwari.com.