A TEA room that is nestled away in a hamlet off the A69 is celebrating 13 years of being open and serving the community.

The House of Meg Tea Rooms in Gilsland has previously celebrated the anniversary with cake - however this year the business has quietly celebrated the occasion due to the lockdown.

Andi Keen, owner of the tea rooms, said: “I opened the tea rooms as a life long dream, I really enjoyed baking with my grandma Betty as a child, also in the village I felt the younger members of the community needed somewhere so they can socialise and feel at home.

“The tea rooms is called House of Meg due to the history of the building from the story about notorious highway woman Meg Merilees and how the building was used as an inn in the 17th century, where it was said that she had a tunnel that connects to another building as well as the river Irthing.

“This tunnel was used as she was known for murdering her guests, and stealing all their money (we don’t keep that tradition up).”

In the 13 years they have been open a lot has changed, they now have a licence to sell alcohol so they can host bistro nights as well as having somewhere for people to enjoy local ale while eating a scone.

“We have become a little shop for everyday essentials since our local shop closed,” added Mr Keen.

“I have many memorable moments from winning the Carlisle Living award 2019 to having visits from some famous faces including Hank Marvin and Elle Goulding. “

He added that House of Meg wants customers to feel comfortable and relaxed.