Those of you who read my column regularly will know that lack of customer service is my bete-noire. It costs nothing to produce a smile after all.

I met a great friend for a coffee on Friday and we met at an ‘upmarket’ cafe  in nearby Stamford. It wasn’t too busy but it took me 30 minutes to get 2 coffees, despite the fact my seat was right next to the counter. The price £6, the coffees were awful and I had to ask for another shot because I couldn’t taste anything but hot milk. The  coffee came back with a bill for an further 30p.

The following day, Hubby and I went to Stamford and came across a cafe in a side street which we hadn’t seen before. Pennies From Heaven is run by a Chinese lady and her family it was full of customers. Embroidered table cloths, china tea cups and service with a smile transported be back to a time when I was a little girl. My cappuccino was hot, the way I like it, my husband’s teapot was replenished with hot water so he could have more tea for free and his eggs and bacon were perfect.

All around me I could hear customers talking to each other about the service, which was fantastic. The price – less than a fiver.

We’ll be going there again, that’s for sure and I bet the other customers tell their friends about it too.