IT'S always tea time at a quirky new eatery in Lower Gornal.

The Mad Hatters Tea Room in Louise Street is run by Kirsty Thorburn and her partner Brett Morton.

Kirsty, who is a keen baker, said: "I have always wanted my own little tea room so I can make cakes and just offer a haven for people to meet and have a natter and Brett is a budding chef but this is the first time either of us has done anything like this."

She said the Mad Hatters theme was her sister-in-law’s idea, adding: "It just escalated from there. I love painting but I was daunted by the thought of painting an Alice in Wonderland scene. But with only three weeks to go before opening, we just had to go for it.

"Kids and adults alike are fascinated by it all - from the upside down table on the ceiling to the trees on the walls - it’s all just fun and quirky."

Kirsty continued: "The Gornal people have welcomed us with open arms and their support is amazing. We now have a Thursday morning mummy club that has materialised naturally.

"We love to have our older generations in too - there are quite a few living nearby and it’s lovely that they are comfortable to pop in on their own for some tea and treats and a bit of company. It make us feel proud to be Gornal."