GO along any town centre street and throw a stone and the chances are high you will hit a coffee shop.

There is a plethora along any major high street.

And yet the village of Rowhedge has resisted this tide of outlets - until now.

The Jam Jar is the first coffee shop to open in the village in more than 40 years.

It could even go back further to 55 years and its predecessor in the High Street sold both coffee and chips.

Today marks two weeks of trading and so far has exceeded owner Rebecca Lock’s expectations having already more than broken even.

The coffee shop on Regent Street, where the former village post office used to be, seats 24 diners inside and out.

It is a tight space but fitting given its name. The interior is brightly furnished and the premises is in prime position near the picturesque waterfront.

Although it has been a year in the making since Mrs Lock, 38, became privy to the opportunity of running a café there – the Jam Jar is a teenage dream materialised.

The mum-of-two said: “When I was 18, I worked in a music venue in York and was hands-on particularly with the coffees and I just loved the social aspect of it.

“With me being based at home for the past ten years because of our other business, it gets lonely, so I enjoy being able to bring the community together.

“Besides us, there are just two pubs in Rowhedge but at one point we had more than 13.

“I moved here 15 years ago and it didn’t have the best of reputations, I believe it was still referred to as ‘Roughedge’ but the village is changing and new people are coming in so you have to change with them.”

The Jam Jar sells distinctive regional produce with jam and cakes from Tiptree, bread from Danbury and coffee from a speciality supplier in Bury St Edmunds, which import and roast their own.

It is important for Mrs Lock to keep it local and independent, but also personal.

Residents have already began placing next day bread orders and the café offers seasonal coffee meaning their selection will change to suit the mood outside.

It is a family effort with Mrs Lock’s stepson Alex Osiris, 25, working full-time, husband Shaun pitching in when he can, and even their 11-year-old son Isaac honing his business acumen with ways to diversify.

Gazette:

However, being the only one of its kind Mrs Lock feels is both a major opportunity and a risk.

“I can’t say I didn’t have utter moments of panic but I’m setting an example for my children too,” she said.

“If you don’t move out of your comfort zone, you stagnate. It’s certainly been a challenge and we’re still finding our rhythm but business is going really well. If it continues like this, we’ll be OK.”

Until now, Mrs Lock had been administrator at Shaun’s company Music Unlimited, which was built on the premise of music being a form of positive intervention.

Their work with youths help them stay on track at school while realising their music potential.

While she takes a back seat, Mrs Lock is now free to focus on the Jam Jar’s future – and she is not short of ideas.

She said: “In the summer I’d like to have picnic blankets people can borrow and I’ve been meaning to order dog biscuits for pet owners who pop in while on walks.

“We’d love to expand and do a pop-up restaurant and offer healthy takeaway alternatives, as well as a meals on wheels-type scheme. It’s those little touches which will help it become a real community café.

“But with winter coming, if we can maintain ourselves, I’d be perfectly happy.”