An independent estate agent in Tooting is surviving the housing slump by selling coffee to commuters.

Walker Wyatt, next to Tooting Bec tube station, launched its in-house café last week to bring in a little extra cash.

Suzanne Wyatt, 49, and her husband Martin, 47, refuse to give up their business without a fight, as they have been running for 22 years.

Mrs Wyatt said: “The sales have dropped, so we thought let’s try and do something with our space. Tooting Bec needs a decent coffee shop.”

The couple gave away free coffee last weekend to kick-start the venture, with teenage children Jessica, 15, and Rory, 13, helping out for pocket money.

They even enlisted local cooks to make cakes and cookies for the counter, and plans are on the way for paninis and other light snacks.

“I’ve been in other coffee shops and they’re absolutely teeming,” she said. “It’s one of those things which as yet hasn’t been touched by the recession.

“We have really nice coffee and some very nice-looking young men who are serving it!”