A NEW cafe and lifestyle store is opening in Caversham this week after plans to open the store were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Collective, co-owned by Caversham residents Sam Smith and Susie Jackson, was due to open in April but will open this Thursday, June 4, for the first time.

Located on Church Road, the cafe will be open for customers to takeaway food and drink such as artisan coffee, iced coffee, dairy ice cream milkshakes, pastries and fresh bread.

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The cafe will also serve lunches such as baguettes, sourdough toasties, salads, sausage rolls and quiches.

Co-owner Sam explained "fresh, local ingredients" will be used and items such as bread will be sourced from local bakers and free range eggs from local farmers.

The store will also sell homewares such as ceramics and items for the garden.

Gifts and jewellery from local makers will also be on offer.

Groceries will also be available to buy such as the coffee and tea the shop serves, bread, eggs and coffee cups.

Speaking of the delayed opening of the shop due to the pandemic, Sam said: “It was a shame but I think we had to just stay positive."

She added: "We just did everything we could during that time to get ready."

The shop will be open Thursday to Sunday from 10am until 3pm.

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The owners will then sit down on Monday and plan the opening hours for the coming weeks and announce these to customers.

The shop will be open for takeaway orders and no delivery service is being offered.

There will be strict social distancing measures and hygiene practices in place and also a minimal number of staff working in the shop.