The beloved Cape Breton singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil grew up here in Big Pond and opened her tea room in 1986. Set in a former one-room schoolhouse built in 1939, it has become a popular stop for fresh-baked treats, tea, lunch and light dinners. Though MacNeil died in 2013, her musical tradition continues here: In July and August, you’ll need to book a table for the Sunday afternoon lunch and show, when guest artists perform. Rita’s Tea Room is about a half-hour drive from Sydney.
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Rita’s Tea Room
The beloved Cape Breton singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil grew up here in Big Pond and opened her tea room in 1986. Set in a former one-room schoolhouse built in 1939, it has become a popular stop for fresh-baked treats, tea, lunch and light dinners. Though MacNeil died in 2013, her musical tradition continues here: In July and August, you’ll need to book a table for the Sunday afternoon lunch and show, when guest artists perform. Rita’s Tea Room is about a half-hour drive from Sydney.