'Nippies' -- those pert waitresses with their starched aprons, caps and a ready smile -- epitomised the swift, cheerful service expected by customers of Lyon's Teashops -- and 'Corner Houses', as their larger establishments were commonly known.

From the 30's to the 50's, they were a national institution, serving tea and cakes at notably reasonable prices to the country's workers.

Lyon's main rivals in mass catering were the ABC chain. An ABC menu from 1932 highlights the superb value on offer: thick mock turtle soup, roast ribs of beef and Yorkshire pudding, boiled potatoes, spring greens, bread-and-butter pudding or a roll and cheese all for the princely sum of 1s 6d.