For the last 25 years, Diane Foster has been welcoming and serving customers at the same Richmond cafe.
And despite being 73 later this year, she has no plans to retire just yet.
Diane started at the Cross View Tea Rooms in 1993.
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The cafe has had four different owners in that time, but Diane has remained a permanent fixture.
Although she has gone from working five days to two, Di says wouldn’t like to stop work although admits the young staff do carry her on occasions.
“You meet lots of people. You have your regulars and you get to know what they want.
“You have hard days but there’s nothing that a G&T that night doesn’t sort!”
Diane has served several celebrities over the years including Royal butler Paul Burrell, stars from Emmerdale and her favourites, the Hairy Bikers.
Although she is past the age of retirement Diane says she enjoys the work and it helps to pay for her and her husband Robert’s love of travel, which has seen them fly all over the world to countries including Mexico, the US and the Dominican Republic.
Although Diane and colleagues work hard, there is still time for some fun.
Diane and colleagues completed the ice bucket challenge outside the tea room a few years ago.
And nobody can forget the party that was laid on for Diane’s 60th. The birthday girl arrived, quickly nipped into the toilets and emerged with her skirt off and frilly bloomers on instead!
“They still talk about it today,” admits Diane.
