last Friday’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support was extended at two new Haslemere venues.

Visitors jumped at the opportunity to support the cancer charity and admire the major refurbishment under way at historic Lythe Hill Hotel, parts of which date back to 1475.

When the works are complete, a cosy new tearoom will open underground in the former dungeon and a taste of what’s to come in the 14-seat venue was on offer last Friday in a special opening in aid of Macmillan.

“I wanted to do this to raise money for Macmillan and we were open all day,” project manager Amanda Coral said. “We made cakes and scones and we had a steady flow of people.

“It’s a bit like a doll’s house tea room and when it opens we will be serving farmhouse teas, because Lythe Hill was originally a Tudor farm house.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a new cafe in Hindhead next to Barons BMW dealership launched by a Haslemere-based couple, extended its Macmillan coffee morning from last Friday to closing time on Sunday.

Haslemere businessman Clive Alexander and his wife Beverley have just opened Pickwick and it is already doing a roaring trade, especially with weekend visitors enjoying a walk on the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

It has always been Beverley’s dream to open her own cafe and her ‘Pickwick paninis’ are going down a treat with customers.

“I’m really pleased how our Macmillan event went, which ran through the weekend,” she said.

“We donated 10 per cent of our profits as well as donations made by customers. It coincided with the Punchbowl Challenge on Sunday and families were coming in wearing the medals they had won.

“I’ve wanted to start my own business for a long time. I also work part-time at the checkout at Haslemere Tesco and lots of people are coming in and saying ‘I know you’.

“I’m working seven days a week but I love it. I’m really enjoying having my very own tearoom.”