A popular Loddon tearoom has been named as one of the best cafes in the country, rubbing shoulders with London's finest hotels.

Rosy Lees tearoom on Bridge Street was awarded the accolade in Saturday's Times which named the nation's 30 best tearooms.

The list also included Claridge's in Mayfair and Cliff Top in Overstrand, North Norfolk.

The Times described award-winning Rosy Lees as: 'Beloved by Norfolk Broads boatsmen who flock here for home-made food served on mismatched china by the cheery lady owner. Everything is home cooked and she'll even do you a kipper and poached egg for tea if you feel like it.'

Owner Caroline Dwen, said: 'I am over the moon. I didn't take it seriously at first. I am very proud.

'It is my customers and working together that has done this. That is what made us what we are. Everything we serve is local-sourced.

'I am hoping this will help us because things are going to be tough.'

The tea room, which has become a hub of the community since it opened in October 1999, serves soups ranging from red pepper and lime to garlic and potato, puddings include lemon meringue pie and cakes from the Women's Institute.

Miss Dwen, who decided to open her own tearoom after working in an organic cafe in London, added: 'I really enjoy what I do. I am very lucky.'

The tearoom attracts tourists from America, Canada, Germany and Holland, where it is recommended on travel websites.

Caroline said the secret to the tearoom's success was relying on local suppliers.

To expand trade in Loddon she has helped start a forum for businesses who meet each week to work out how they can help each other get through the economic downturn.

She said: 'We expect times to get harder in the future, but we are meeting every week. It is really exciting.'