It's a proper family affair at Dottie's Tea Room in Arnold and there's always a friendly welcome - and now the way they do business has led to them winning the crown for the most charming family-run tea room in the Midlands.
The neighbourhood cafe in Beechwood Road, is run by Clare Wheat with help from her parents John and Brenda, her sister Deborah Voce and nephew Calum Voce.
The tea room, which is 100 per cent gluten-free, scooped the honour in the Midlands Enterprise Awards run by SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) News.
Clare said she was shocked to learn about the accolade - and didn't know that anyone had nominated them.
"We are so proud that we have won for being a family business," she said. "I am so lucky to be able to work with both of my parents, sister and occasionally my nephew. So many people come in as customers but feel they leave as friends - which so many of them have become over the last four and a half years."
None of the family team have set roles and they work wherever they can, both in the kitchen and serving customers. Brenda has been there every day since opening, often baking gluten-free cakes.
The tea room, which is currently Arnold's top ranking spot on TripAdvisor, has been described as "beautiful, charming and friendly" by customers.
One said: "We live local to this wonderful little gem and had driven past a thousand times before we decided to pop in. I am so glad we did. As a vegan it can sometimes be difficult getting quality food anywhere let alone in a tea room, but this wonderful eatery is the exception.
"Nothing is too much trouble, the staff are super friendly and welcoming , the food is excellent and there is a good range to choose from (hot and cold, sweet and savoury)."
