To pop inside Interlude tea room is like stepping back in time.

Customers at the Shipley cafe could forgive themselves for thinking they were dining in 1920s England, with period details in abundance.

Elegant cake stands, ornaments, beads, and feathers are among the many items from the decade that grace the Westgate cafe; there’s even a life-size model of Charlie Chaplin outside.

“He looks really good, and everyone comments on him,” says Sarah Wilson-Flemming, who runs the tea room and emporium with her husband, Les.

The cafe is a busy hub where people meet for a meal, snack or cup of tea.

“Some people spend 15 minutes with us, and some are here for three or four hours. It is so rewarding to see people sitting down enjoying the food, and then to hear them say how lovely it was. It feels brilliant to take an empty plate off the table,” says Sarah.

A varied menu, designed to suit the period, includes freshly-made sandwiches with fillings such as ham, Cheddar and Branston pickle, humus and peppers, and crispy bacon, brie and cranberry sauce. Baked potatoes and soup also feature, along with specials, which can include corned beef hash, hot roast salmon and beef stew and dumplings.

A selection of fruit pies, scones, shortbread and “a slice of scrumptious cake of the day” are among the sweet treats beautifully displayed on the glass-topped counters. Special touches include ‘memory lane’ sweets and handmade chocolates that can be taken home in an item of fine China crockery.

The couple love running the tea room. “It is a passion that drives us,” says Sarah, who trained as a teacher and worked in hotels and restaurants to pay her way through college.

They went into business after eating out many times and feeling there was always something lacking.

“I would come away unhappy with either the food, the service or the atmosphere. Les would say, ‘stop moaning – write a business plan and promise to follow it through’.” So she did.

“I did my homework and worked with Bradford Kickstart and Bradford Chamber of Commerce, which helped me and took the fear out of it. I also had help from local traders, who were really supportive.”

She has not left teaching behind completely, and continues to work occasionally with children with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Sarah and Les work alongside baker Joan Stokes – whose trademark fruit cake is on the menu – and manager Rebecca Lobley, who helped revamp the building prior to the cafe opening.

The team love chatting to customers. “We are always interested to hear about people’s favourite recipes,” says Sarah.

“And we make gluten-free cakes for coeliacs too.”

A project manager for financial institutions, Les is in charge of the accounts but is learning to cook.

He and Sarah love the feel of the tea room.

“We adore the 1920s. For many customers, eating here brings back memories,” says Sarah.

When diners have eaten their fill, they can head upstairs for another treat from a bygone era – a vintage boutique.