STAFF at a Blackheath café which feels like a home from home have celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Owner Wendy Salt bought Wendy’s Salt and Pepper Pot Café two decades ago and it is still going strong today.

The café on Birmingham Road offers tasty home-cooked food including roast dinners, breakfasts and home-made old-fashioned desserts such as bread and butter pudding, steamed sponges, egg custard and trifle.

It's a real family affair with loyal customers and seven staff including Wendy's daughters Rachel, 38 and Amy 35, making the milestone on Friday October 11.

Wendy Salt (centre) with her daughters Rachel and Amy Salt who both work in the cafeWendy Salt (centre) with her daughters Rachel and Amy Salt who both work in the cafe (Image: Handout)

Mum-of-two Wendy, aged 59, said: "I've been in the hospitality industry for 35 years.

"It was my dream to have a café. I've absolutely loved looking after and feeding people.

"The customers are the best thing about it and the wonderful staff including my two daughters and husband who does the books.

"We've had the same loyal customers coming in from day one.

"The café has a homely feel. I wanted customers to feel like they are coming into my home and I think we have achieved that.

"Some of them came on the anniversary with flowers and cards and we had food and bubbly - it was a lovely atmosphere."

Wendy Salt has run her cafe for 20 yearsWendy Salt has run her cafe for 20 years (Image: Handout)

Wendy, who lives in Rowley Regis, used to work at the café, she left but then when she saw it was up for sale she decided to make her dream of running her own café come true, took the plunge and bought it.

Wendy said there have been difficult times over the years.

She said: "Covid was devastating.

"It was a very difficult time for everyone.

"Then over the last few years we have had the rise in costs and energy prices.

"Last year I feared the worst, but we got through it."

The café has 250 salt and pepper pots on display.

Wendy Salt with her Saturday girls Steph Adderley (left) and Amy Louise (right)Wendy Salt with her Saturday girls Steph Adderley (left) and Amy Louise (right) (Image: Handout)

Wendy said: "Customers bring them back from holidays - we've got ones from Australia, America and the Caribbean - it's so nice that they think of us when they are on holiday."

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays it offers £10 for a roast lunch, pudding and a tea or coffee, a deal which Wendy said is "very popular."

The café is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9am till 2pm.