Diane’s bakery and deli in Rowley Regis is owned and operated by two generations of the same family. The Sandwell business has a 30-year history of serving great food to the local community.

Next to ​​Blackheath indoor market, Diane’s offers hot and cold meals, using locally sourced ingredients, served in recyclable or compostable packaging and prepared on site by its team of local food professionals.

The company prides itself on trying to keep its impact on the environment as low as possible and aims to be carbon neutral very soon. As well as using biodegradable and recyclable packaging, the family has removed 90 per cent of single-use plastics in its eatery.

Despite its forward-thinking approach to the environment and its newly refurbished contemporary interior, Diane’s serves a traditional menu. The food is prepared freshly every day either to take away or enjoy at a table in the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the eatery.

Diane’s prides itself on building strong connections with its customers, continuing the community feel that was established 30 years ago by Diane herself. Some customers still remember the original Diane’s on Shell Corner, which served the local community for more than ten years.

A particular favourite back then were the pork sandwiches, which are still being served up today, much to the delight of local people. Diane’s also serves breakfast baps, bakes, cakes, jackets and salads, and offers a selection of cooked meats, pork pies, Scotch eggs, cheeses, quiches and, of course, black pudding as well as other delicious treats from its deli counter.

While the company is now run by two generations of the same family, it has already introduced the third generation to the business by involving eight-year-old Lucas and three-year-old Blake in making weekly food decisions.

Aptly named ‘Grandsons’ Selection’, each week the boys pick out a new cake recipe from the family recipe book, make and taste it, before adding it to the menu as the selection of the week.

Diane’s encourages other kids to get involved in baking and trying different foods and flavours by grabbing the recipe, making the cake at home and then posting the results on its Facebook page.

Getting the next generation of food lovers involved is just one of the ways that Diane’s has breathed new life into the historic family business as it continues to serve the borough with delicious food #MadeInSandwell.

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.