A TOPSHAM businesswoman is celebrating after her shop was named in the top ten places to visit in Devon and Cornwall for a drink of cream tea. Heather Knee, who owns the Georgian Tea Room, on High Street, said she was delighted with the news. A travel pu

A TOPSHAM businesswoman is celebrating after her shop was named in the top ten places to visit in Devon and Cornwall for a drink of cream tea.

Heather Knee, who owns the Georgian Tea Room, on High Street, said she was delighted with the news.

A travel publisher singled the shop out as one of the best places to go for the beverage as part of a British regional guide publication it has produced.

"I'm very pleased. I've been doing this for 19 years," said Heather. "From day one I said to myself no substandard - I was going to be the best," she joked.

"We've got a big customer-base, quite a lot of regulars come here. Some people come from as far afield as Sidmouth, Budleigh and Exmouth. People like Topsham and they are fond of cream teas."

Heather, no stranger to being recognised for her drink-making and all-round culinary skills, appeared on the television show Great British Menu two years ago with Michael Caine.

"I was showing him how to make cream," she added.

The 64-year-old has also won a number of awards, notably in the Taste of the West competition.

And, as part of the publisher's guide, it revealed 44 per cent of people surveyed who lived in Devon considered their happiness in life to be 'very good.'

A spokesperson for the publishers said: "When you look at what Devon and Cornwall have to offer, it's not really surprising that people who live there are pretty satisfied with life.

"They've got enticing beaches, stunning moorland, great pubs, fantastic seafood and not to mention the ubiquitous cream tea.

"All of these make both counties extremely popular parts of the UK for visitors, but I am sure also contribute to the wellbeing of residents."

Otterton Mill, in Budleigh Salterton, was also named in the top ten best places to visit for a drink of cream tea.