A cafe in Worcester has told customers to stop bringing in their own food.

Staff at Auntie Em’s Tea and Toy Emporium, in the City Arcade on The Shambles, have taken to social media to voice their annoyance at people bringing their own food.

They also highlighted how many parents bring their children for the play area but do not purchase anything, instead taking up tables for hours at a time.

In a Facebook post, a staff member wrote: “Ok……Enough is Enough!

“We are having a huge amount of mums bringing in their own cake and breakfast items, this is not acceptable on any level.

“Ask yourselves, would you go into a bar with your own bottle of wine and ask the bar person for some glasses????”

They added: “Also time. We understand we have provided a play area for your little ones to play but this is for you to keep an eye on them whilst you eat, drink catch up with friends or family.

“It is NOT an indoor park. Two hours to sit with a drink and take up a table is not fair to others who would also like to come and enjoy the experience.”

They added that this behaviour is particularly problematic due to the extremely difficult situation the hospitality industry has been put in as a result of the pandemic.

The Facebook post continued: “The past 18 months have been hard on all hospitality businesses and we are now on the road to survive the next 12 months.

“We have a lot of challenges ahead of us especially with utilities etc going up and there is no more help for us small independent businesses.

“It’s very disheartening when you invest all your time, effort and money into something you love doing.

“If we don’t provide what you would like to eat or drink, I won’t be offended if you go somewhere that does!”

The post prompted a huge wave of support from the public with dozens of comments left by customers.

Lotte Beth responded: “Right behind you with this, it's so rude and I’m shocked they are taking advantage of such a lovely service.”

Helen Louise commented: “I feel for you. Being self-employed is not for the faint hearted, and your efforts and hospitality should not be taken for granted!”

Meanwhile, Debbie Purvis said: “I’m so sorry this is happening to you. You provide a wonderful offering to the Worcester community and we will continue to support you always.”