THE owner of one of Helensburgh’s favourite eateries is celebrating 25 years in business – and she’s holding a party this week to celebrate.

Melanie Andrews opened her first Craigard Tearoom in 1992, and the current tearoom in Sinclair Street followed in 1995.

And as a thank you to all the customers who have supported Craigard over that quarter-century, Melanie is inviting everyone along to a party at the tearoom this Friday, May 26, between 7pm and 9pm.

Speaking to the Advertiser in March Melanie called Craigard “a 24-hour-a-day job, with a million different obstacles thrown at you daily” – though the fact she’s still in business, and still prospering, after 25 years, makes it clear it’s a job she loves.

Craigard isn’t the only string to Melanie’s bow – she’s written a book on baking, founded the Scottish Baking Awards, and played a key role in several major Helensburgh events over the years, all of which earned her an MBE in the most recent New Year honours list - though her enthusiasm for her first (business) love remains clear for all to see.

Looking ahead to this Friday’s birthday bash, she said: “There will be champagne, canapes and cakes and it’s all free. Everyone’s invited - though I’m not sure how I’m going to get everybody in!”