As people watch their wallets and tighten their belts, some are turning away from corporate chains and turning to local alternatives.

Highdown Tea Rooms

Donna Lewington, who runs the Highdown Tea Rooms, in Littlehampton Road, Goring, said she had definitely seen an increase in business over the year.

"I don't know whether people are comfort-eating or whether they are starting to realise that they can get better value for money here than they can in the coffee shop chains."

For £5.50, at the Highdown Tea Rooms, visitors can have a cream tea for two, including a huge scone, clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea or coffee.

At most leading coffee shop chains, £5.50 will get customers a regular latte and a panini.

"We do big portions here. When the customers see it, they often say 'Wow, are you sure you've charged me right?'," said Donna.

Steyning Tea Rooms

Wendy Jones, who runs Steyning Tea Rooms, in the town's High Street, put her success down to a combination of value for money and being part of the community.

"The last year has been very busy," she said. "I've been lucky in that I've been consistently busy since I opened four years ago.

"I think that tea rooms are generally good value for money and here customers get good home-made food and local produce."

Wendy wanted her tea rooms to be an extension of a home kitchen, where people could relax and the community could meet.

"Maybe people are going back to more traditional values," said Wendy.

"The tea room is quite important in the community and brings people into Steyning as well. I think it's lovely that people come to visit us."

Wiston Tea Rooms

Sisters Pam Kennett and Debbie Johnson run the Wiston Tea Rooms, in Water Lane, Wiston.

Although the bad weather this summer meant their usually bustling garden wasn't as busy as normal, they thought people were starting to look for cheaper alternatives for a family day out.

"I think we are good value for money," said Pam.

"We're not flashy and you don't pay over the odds just for an extra nice cup.

"We get a lot of families here because we have animals in the garden as well.

"It's a nice outing for a reasonable amount of money."

Pam and Debbie also benefit from having regular customers and the support of the local community.

"I think people are becoming more aware of supporting local businesses, because it's difficult everywhere," said Pam.

"We all try to help one another. In little villages like ours, you need to."

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