AH French, baker, pastry cook and confectioner also advertised luncheons and afternoon teas in tea rooms at the shop at 5 Monnow Street, Monmouth.

With its tempting window display of cakes and pastries as well as breads it would be hard to resist. Tea shops were important for women – as respectable places where they could go on their own.

This photograph of the premises also features French’s delivery van.

Home delivery is nothing new.

Even before motor transport most shops would deliver goods to the buyer’s home with a horse and cart, and when bicycles became available the errand boy would deliver whatever goods would fit into the baskets on his bike.