Family teashop reopens in a pub

"We look forward to having all our old customers back and some new ones," owner Denise Clayburn said

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.

Ms Clayburn said the pub is looking at having a refurb and "it is going to be amazing when it is done, it will be so cosy"

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."

Before closing down in Luton Point, Ms Clayburn said people "were coming in from miles away for their last pot of tea or their last French stick just for the memories of the place from when they were growing up"

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."

Customer Stephen King, 49, said he used to go to Robby's as a child and it was a "soft, homely atmosphere"

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."