A vintage-style tea house has taken Streatham back to a bygone era.

Lydia Wood-Power opened Earl Grey and Rose in Leigham Court Road last October, giving the cafe a nostalgic feel with nick-nacks from the 1950s.

Mrs Wood-Power bakes all the cakes, having to make about 150 cupcakes a day to meet demand.

While running the business she is studying for a jewellery and accessories degree at Middlesex University and the shop also doubles up as a rental service for sewing machines – which can be rented by the hour for £3.50.

She said: “It works like an internet cafe but instead of computers, it is sewing machines.”

A knitting club meets there on Wednesdays and there are classes in bunting-making and jewellry workshops.

Mrs Wood-Power said: “There has been a lot of interest in vintage things lately and a rise in make- do-and-mend mentality.”