A VINTAGE-STYLE tea room in Ellesmere Port has employed three new members of staff due to a surge in trade during the coronavirus lockdown.

Despite having to close its doors to the public at the end of March, Grace Tea Room & Café on Whitby Road quickly adapted and began a takeaway and delivery service in order for the fledgling business to survive.

However, the move has actually resulted in a sharp upturn in trade with the independent café delivering and posting out cakes and afternoon tea packages across the UK.

Owner Lizzie Jewkes said locals have been ordering afternoon tea for both themselves and their friends and family, and then 'meeting up' online via Skype or Zoom to enjoy it together.

People have also been placing orders from as far away as Cyprus so they can be delivered to loved ones locally.

Lizzie said: "When the lockdown was announced, all I knew was that I had to do something to try and help my fledgling business survive.

"Everything on our menu is available as a takeaway but it's the 'Afternoon Tea in a Box' that is in greatest demand.

"We post our cakes out across Britain – and have noticed an increase in demand for those too.

"People want to let their friends and relatives know how much they're missed. While they can’t visit, we can deliver afternoon tea on their behalf.

"We know from the buyer’s postcodes where they live and some are a long way from Ellesmere Port. The furthest away? That would be Cyprus."

Grace Tea Room cater for all diets – including gluten free, vegan and low sugar – with everything they sell made on the premises.