A MUCH-LOVED tearoom in Thundersley has gone on the market for offers in the region of £50,000 as the owner looks to pass on the baton.

By George of Thundersley, in Hart Road, is up for sale after a successful five years and has become a staple with residents.

Leza George, 56, took over the cafe back in March 2018. It was already trading as a tearoom under the name Pingalis, but Leza decided to give it her own stamp.

The announcement that it is being sold has sparked an outpouring of sadness among the community.

She said her intention was always to own it for five years - which is coming up next March - and then passing on the baton.

Leza said: “After a 35-year career in the city, working in insurance, I wanted to have a complete change of direction and always had a hankering to own a cafe.

“So, when I saw this business for sale, I decided that this was the opportunity I was looking for and took over in 2018.

“I always had a five-year plan for owning this tearoom and that is coming up. That was originally because we were planning on retiring after five years. Due to a change of circumstances, I am not doing that yet, but I decided to stick with my timeframe I had set and try my hand at something else.

“I knew with hard work and dedication we could turn the business into a profitable and intrinsic part of the community, and I feel we have succeeded with that aim.

“It has been a pleasure owning By George, we really have established ourselves as a safe space that people feel comfortable coming to either on their own, with their friends, or their families.”

By George of Thundersley is a small independent tea and coffee room in the heart of Thundersley village.

The business is for sale for offers in the region of £50,000 but this will need to be discussed with the current owners.

Leza added: “While I am sad to be leaving, I am proud to be able to hand it over to new owners whoever that may be.

“I just sincerely hope that whoever buys the business not only keeps it as a tearoom, with our quirky little edges, but adds to it by bringing their own dreams and ideas to it.”

Anyone interested in purchasing the business, should message their Facebook Page.