Val and Paul Brook started the business in December 1995. Having both had successful careers in teaching, Val in the junior sector and Paul in the further education sector, they decided they wanted to run a business. They found the ideal setting in Bowness on Windermere , close to their home perfectly suited to a traditional English tea room. With a broad range of exiting skills and further training, they developed the business over the years. With the emphasis on personal service, pleasant surroundings and good food, the business has grown with many customers returning on a regular basis or recommending Aunty Val's to their friends. Customers from as far a field as America, Japan and Australia have come on recommendation. In 2004, Val and Paul’s son Graham joined the business as manager, and together the three have personal responsibility for the day-to-day running of the tea rooms.

The kitchen has been upgraded into a modern hygienic and efficient preparation area and servery suited to the menu. The front of house has been decorated and the toilet area has been fully refurbished to include baby facilities. This along with minor improvements to previous equipment have allowed the business to cope with the increased demand. Aunty Val's Tea Rooms features in many tea room guides and publications nowadays and Val and Paul look forward to greeting customers old and new in the future.