This former fancy dress shop in Felixstowe has been transformed into a cakery and tearoom.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cuppa Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCuppa Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Community spirit (and cake) are at the heart of a brand new tearoom in Felixstowe.

Cuppa, found at High Road West, is, says owner Sarah Fitch, a trip down memory lane. It's not all fancy lattes and weird and wacky plates of food. No, here is a proper cakery, where you can pull up a pew, read a book, eat homemade baked treats and soothe yourself with a nice cup of tea.

This is Sarah's second business on the premises. She formerly ran fancy dress shop Chuckles in the building, but after nearly five years was forced to close due to too much online competition last summer.

"We thought we'd sell the shop, but we couldn't bear to part with it really," Sarah says.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sarah Fitch, owner of new cafe Cuppa Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSarah Fitch, owner of new cafe Cuppa Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

"The idea of a café was quite spontaneous. We wanted to do something the internet couldn't touch so came up with the concept of a community café, based within the community rather than the town centre. I wanted somewhere people could come and talk and we've already got groups who want to meet here. There's so much loneliness these days and I want to help. Anyone can come in here for a cuppa and a chat."

Sarah describes the décor as "funky". There's astroturf on the side of the serving counter. Flower decorations and sunny wallpaper at one end of the dining space. And a quieter room away from the music too.

The café can seat 45 with Sarah wearing the chef's hat, supplementing her cooking with items from a baker in Orford, and with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.

Open from 9am, mornings offer croissants and tea cakes and the like. And at lunchtimes there's a range of filled paninis and homemade focaccia with balsamic and olive oil dips, but it's the cake that's the focus here.

East Anglian Daily Times: Inside Cuppa in High Road West Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNInside Cuppa in High Road West Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Expect homemade scones, Victoria sponge, homemade Battenburg, vegan banana cake, vegan chocolate cake, Earl Grey teabread. "We have about eight different cakes a day, plus scones. It's whatever we fancy baking really but there'll always be a really good choice. The poppy seed and lemon cake has been popular, as has the banana cake."

Teas range from smoky Earl Grey, to Assam, green and lots of fruit and herbal varieties. And coffee, sourced from Freshpak, is directly traded from Cameroon, ensuring the fairest deal for the farmers. If you take in your own reusable cup there's a discount on hot drinks.

Afternoon teas will start soon. And Sarah's hoping to add acoustic nights when she has her music licence. "I can't wait to have music. And I want more groups to come in too. We have a book group meeting, and lots of peple have mentioned craft events. I want Cuppa to be busy and sociable and to get people talking with each other.

"So far everyone's been really really nice and positive and we've already got some regular customers. I love it."