A POPULAR Brightlingsea deli is set to expand into a café just a stone's throw away from its successful takeaway shop.

The River Colne Food Co., in High Street, is all set to open its new café site in Osbornes Court, Victoria Plaza, Brightlingsea.

The original deli counter will remain open alongside the new café to accommodate the needs of customers looking for a sit-down breakfast or lunch or a quick takeaway.

Gazette: Expansion - The Ice House site where the River Colne Food Co will be expanding toExpansion - The Ice House site where the River Colne Food Co will be expanding to (Image: NQ)

The business first announced it would be expanding in January this year. 

Owner David Rizbaf shared his excitement for the expansion and said he has hired some additional staff from the area to build up a team for the café.

The current site has no seating area but the new café is expected to sit about 15 to 20 people, with seats outside too.

Gazette: Deli - outside the existing River Colne Food Co deliDeli - outside the existing River Colne Food Co deli (Image: NQ)

David expects the new site to be open between the end of March and the beginning of April.

He plans to serve his own ice cream at the café as well as deli favourites including his cinnamon knots, quiches, sausage rolls and sweet treats.

David said: “We are expanding some of the food we do here into a sit-down café environment just down the road in the former Ice House site.

Gazette: Treats - homemade cinnamon knots and browniesTreats - homemade cinnamon knots and brownies (Image: NQ)

“We are going to have a small breakfast menu and do ice creams in there too.

“We will keep the takeaway shop here as lots of people love the takeaway option.

“I opened in January 2021 in the middle of a Covid lockdown and I feel like I have expanded really nicely.

Gazette: Fresh - homemade quiche and salad options to take awayFresh - homemade quiche and salad options to take away (Image: NQ)

“I feel like I’ve done everything I can with this room now and it’ll be nice to have a little sit down café.

“I’m excited and nervous to open the new café but everyone has been really supportive and all the comments have been really nice so far.

“I’ve hired a few new people from the local area and have a good team sorted to help prep the food and run the café.

Gazette: Business - outside the now closed Ice House Business - outside the now closed Ice House (Image: NQ)

“I will continue making lots of handmade bits and I will be keeping it as local as possible.

“I am grateful for everyone’s support so far.”