A community have branded a successful battle to keep the management of a much-loved tea hut “a well deserved victory”.

The City of London Corporation announced this morning that the High Beech tea hut, which has been formally known as Ernie’s, Mins and Bert’s, would remain under the control of Bradley Melton’s family, as it has for 84 years.

Speaking on the Save The Tea Hut Facebook page regulars of the hut said they were “delighted” to hear of the decision after seven months of campaigning.

Brian Parker of Peterborough said: “It’s great news, I live in Peterborough now and have done so for over 30 years but I was bought up in Chingford.

“I frequently visited the tea hut as a young motorcyclist, good luck for the future Bradley.”

Nick Pedley of Epping said: “Great news. It is good to see such widespread public support for a family business in Epping Forest.”

Emlyn Miles of London said: “Tradition and doing the correct thing seems to be on the slide in the UK but because of the efforts of some good people the right result has come to the fore.

“Also things don't always change for the better so long live the tea hut.”

Dave Buchan of Chingford said: “We are very pleased that the City of London has made the right decision.

“It’s the right decision for them, for Brad and for everyone who has, does and will continue to be able to find good refreshments at reasonable prices in such natural surroundings.”

Clare Williams of London said: “It’s such great news. Sometimes a cuppa and a biccie is just what you need when you've been trotting through a bog on a winter's morning.

“The tea hut will continue to be a place where you can stand and steam gently without offending the café gentry.”

Gareth Wild of Cheshire said: “It was a well deserved victory and glad a family run business is allowed to continue without being squeezed out by the big multi nationals.”