The Saints area of Ipswich – St Nicholas Street and St Peter’s Street – is becoming a rich mix of family and independent businesses.

And among the latest of open is Momentum Cafe, at 27-29 St Nicholas Street, which is offering coffee and hot drinks and a range of international flavours and and food sppecialities.

Momentum is the idea of local businessman Mark Ridges and his wife Ahidel, and is offering a range of food from Great British breakfast to Italian and Mexican food.

Mark and Ahidel, who is originally from Oaxaco in Mexico, actually met in California.

Mark said: “We are offering authentic Mexican, British and Italian food, and with the emphasis on the coffee.

“Every tea, coffee and chocolate is prepared by somebody who is barista trained.”

You can get latte or capuccino, Americano or expresso, macchiato or hot chocolate. There is even momentiato - expresso and cream, served in a sherry glass. The emphasis is on all freshly-made food and snacks, with international choices.

Mark said:“Everything is prepared here fresh every day and we are aiming to use as much fresh, local produce as possible.”

The inspiration for the new cafe, and its food, was drawn from years of international travel and dining, he said. There is plenty of Mexican food on the menu, tacos, quesadillas (flour tortillas), guacamole and more.

The cafe has fresh baked roolls and ciabatta and pannini every day, offering a variety of rolls and sandwiches, all with freshly made fillings and to order.

“Everything will have a fresh flavour, every time,” he added.

Ahidel said: “It is really exciting. There are Mexican and American (Californian) influence. Because I am Mexican it is my strength really.

“It takes a little bit of time, and rather a lot of hard work for it to succeed. Already people are finding out about us.”

Momentum is offering breakfasts, with a breakfast and lunch club for local businesses. Upstairs there are meeting rooms which businesses can use for working lunches.

Mark added: “We are also offering a delivery service in town, delivered by bicycle or car, whichever is easiest. We are are also offering afternoon teas.”