A NEW cafe has opened its doors in time for summer at a shopping centre in Colchester.

Traditional cafe Deja Brew is now trading from its new premises in Red Lion Yard after opening on May 9.

Owned by Dennis Davis, the new cafe serves hungry shoppers with its speciality jacket potatoes straight from its Queen Victoria Potato Oven, along with an enticing range of hot drinks and cakes. 

Mr Davis said: "Opening up a café in my hometown has been something I have wanted to do for a long time.

"I’ve always been a firm supporter of local independent shops and cafés, so it’s great to be able to get involved and contribute to the community at Red Lion Yard."

Another new business, Santis Watches, is set to open this Saturday, June 3.

Santis, specialising watch repairs and sales, is a brand new venture for owner Simon Amey.

He said: "I have been in the watch trade for over 30 years and have had my eye on a space at Red Lion Yard for the last few years.

"Finally, the time is right to take the leap and set up my own business.

"The yard has a great charm and I couldn’t think of a better location to be in."

Between the two businesses, four full-time and four part-time jobs have been created.

Peter Scopes, centre manager of Red Lion Yard, said: "We’re delighted to have two new retailers opening here. Red Lion Yard offers a fantastic range of stores for families to shop, dine and even get a haircut, and we’re proud of the number of interesting independent stores that thrive here."