Family teashop reopens in a pub

A teashop, which was located in a shopping centre for more than 50 years, has reopened in a pub.

Robby's Tea Shop launched in 1972 in The Arndale - now called Luton Point - in Luton town centre, Bedfordshire, but closed down last month following discussions about "rent".

Owner Denise Clayburn, 46, said people were upset "as everyone had such fond memories, their children and grandchildren had all grown up with it and it was sad to see".

After she announced the closure on social media, the new owner of the George II pub in Bute Street offered her a space in the pub.

The teashop was set up by Ms Clayburn's father-in-law, who named it after his son, her late husband, who was called Rob.

She said: "It is more than just a teashop, people have grown up with it, people who have lost their partners, it is somewhere where people feel comfortable."

Ms Clayburn said the only thing that would be majorly different at the new location was food choice and added: "We don't have the cakes we had in the teashop."

"The staff are all still here - it is just a different environment."

Ms Clayburn thanked the community, which had supported them for 53 years.

"The teashop would never have lasted this long without our loyal customers - they are the ones who make it."

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