THREE sisters have got together to open their “dream business” in Alton.

For Cathie Joseph, Wendy Williams and Helen Uzzell, the opening of The Regency Tearoom at Alton Community Centre is the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration. The sisters have always wanted to work together, and now they can!

It is a win-win situation as Alton Community Centre welcomed the re-opening on January 18 of its newly-refurbished kitchen and cafe, and the sisters embarked on their joint venture.

According to centre manager Maria Elliott, the Jane Austen-themed cafe has been fully refurbished by the new franchisees and “looks a picture”.

It compliments the kitchen, which has received a £10,000-plus makeover.

Open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to noon on Saturdays, with late-night opening when required to service Friday night gigs, The Regency Tearooms will serve a wide range of fare, from daily specials to cream teas and from jacket potatoes to cakes, paninis and “good coffee”.

As well as catering for centre users, the cafe is open to the public and can serve wine with meals.

The Regency Tearooms team also offer an outside catering service.

The tea rooms can be contacted by calling 07778 034825.