A COLCHESTER business, which was launched at the peak of the pandemic, will be opening in another location in a bid to tackle loneliness.

Sarah’s Coffee Shop welcomed its first members last September at The Crescent in Severalls Business Park.

Now the small business will also be opening a pop-up shop at the village hall in Capel St Mary later this month.

It will offer a range of refreshments including coffees, teas and soft drinks and homemade cakes.

The expansion comes after owner Sarah Smy, 41, recognised the need for loved ones to reconnect after the multiple lockdowns.

She said: “Living in Capel St Mary myself, I know first hand how difficult the pandemic has been on the community here, especially the elderly who may have had to self-isolate from loved ones for a huge amount of time.

“I wanted to be able to create a safe space for loved ones who want to meet up and have a conversation in person.”

Mrs Smy, who is a trustee at Capel Community Trust, has also been working on a community garden project at the village hall.

The garden was completed in August and it is hoped that along with the pop-up shop, it will bring the community together and tackle loneliness in the village.

She added: “The garden space is beautiful and really adds a community feel to the village hall.

“There are plenty of tables to socially distance where needed and you’ll only need to pop inside to get your hot drink and cake.

“The shop at Severalls will still be open as normal for all my regulars and I can’t wait to meet some new ones at Capel St Mary too.”

The pop-up shop at the village hall will be open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday as well as on Saturday mornings in the family bar.

Sarah’s Coffee Shop at Severalls Business Park is also open for business on weekdays from 7.45am until 2.30pm.

For more information visit sarahscoffeeshop.co.uk or call 01206 841809.