BUSINESS is booming for a cafe owner in the Suffolks – to such an extent he is opening a new Cheltenham restaurant just a stone's throw away from his existing premises.

Simon Davies, the owner of Moka Coffee House in Suffolk Parade, saw an opportunity to open a new establishment just a few doors down and jumped at the chance.

The father-of-three, who is also completing a history degree, has taken on the premises of the former Brosh restaurant and has high hopes for its future.

The Suffolk Kitchen, due to open in Suffolk Parade in mid-February, will offer the best of what the county has to offer, with produce such as pheasant, duck, partridge, chicken and seasonal vegetables on the menu.

The 34-year-old, who has owned Moka Coffee House for five-and-a-half years, said: "It's going to be British seasonal food and we will be religiously sticking to that.

"There will be a lot of game and we are hoping to get the vegetables from local allotments in exchange for wine vouchers."

Despite the tough economic climate, the Montpellier resident says business is brisk in the Suffolks area of the town.

"Moka is doing very well. Our trade is up from last year and at the moment we are doing the equivalent of Saturday trade on a daily basis and outside catering as well.

"The secret is good coffee, good staff, good atmosphere and good food.

"If you have got the basics right then you shouldn't go wrong," he said.

The businessman, who is a third-year student at the University of Bristol, has high hopes for the area.

He said: "It's already known to be an antiques hub, but we also wanted to make it into the food hub of Cheltenham so people come here for really fine cuisine.

"We are trying to make it into a good area for decent locally-produced food. It is an affluent area, but it is also a good walkway for people coming from Leckhampton into town, so the footfall is on the rise."

Eateries nearby include The Daffodil, India Lounge and Zizzi.

The new restaurant, for which Simon has only had the keys for a matter of days, is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, with new floors, benches, lighting and a refitted kitchen.

Welsh blankets will also add to the comfortable feel.

Simon's two businesses will also supply each other.

"Cakes, croissants, soups and certain fillings will be made at the restaurant and sold to Moka, just like Moka will supply coffee to the restaurant," he said.

Michele Beint, chairman of Suffolk Traders' Association, said: "I think it is a good thing, as long as it serves good food.

"It will bring more life to the area again."

The Echo was unable to contact the owners of Brosh – a modern Middle Eastern restaurant.

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