Maple Tree Tea Rooms opens in Trinity Street, Colchester

Maple Tree Tea Rooms has opened inside a unit in Trinity Street, the heart of the town's independent retail scene.

Paul Curry created the business with help of wife Martina and daughter Amelia, 15.

He said: "We got the building in December just before the restrictions were announced.

"It has been a cafe for many years but it was shut down for a quite a while before we took over.

"It is a beautiful street and we are is a really good location opposite the Purple Dog."

All of the food is freshly made on site, with produce sourced from local butchers and bakeries.

The cakes and made in house, with gluten-free and vegan options available.

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Mr Curry and his family moved to Colchester recent due to his posting in the Army.

He says they have invested about £55,000 in the business, with the building itself about 400-years-old.

He said: "When we moved here recently we decided to make a go of it.

"We have completely renovated the premises by watching Youtube videos of how to do things.

"The ceiling had to be replaced as did all the plaster.

"We've put in new plumbing, new electrics and replaced almost everything."

Maple Tree Team Rooms is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm, with hot food served until 2.30pm.

There are eight tables inside with space for up to 30 diners and takeaway is available.

Visit www.facebook.com/Maple-Tree-Tea-Rooms-101049785503592.