The Old Vineyard, in Forncett St Peter, shop plans to double in size as expansion revealed

A popular Norfolk coffee shop could more than double in size to meet increasing customer demand as its owners look towards the next chapter for their business.

Tony and Rachel Calver, of The Old Vineyard, in Forncett St Peter, have lodged plans with South Norfolk Council, seeking to build an extension on the south side of the café.

The proposed extension would be about twice as big as the existing building and would allow the coffee shop to serve more people all year round.

It will also see a small kitchen installed so breakfast and lunch options can be offered.

Mr Calver said the Old Vineyard opened in 2023 as an extension of their dahlia gardens and is popular during the summer months.

The aim is to increase the number of seats from 20 to 50, allowing customers to sit inside, particularly during the winter months.

Mr Calver said: “When we first opened, we wanted to make the space quite modest and not push the boat out too much, but we’ve become really popular.

“Customers have also keen for us to introduce food, which we haven’t been able to do with our current space as there was nowhere for a kitchen.

“We opened the café to bring people in during the summer months and we hope the new plans will help make it a viable business by allowing customers to come in all year round. We’re quite popular with the community during the colder months.

“The plans have just gone in, so hopefully it will come through in time for next winter.”

As part of its plans for expansion, Mr Calver said all current staff roles would be made full time.

In addition, they will be recruiting two full-time kitchen staff.

He added: “When we first opened, it was slow at first, but picked up quickly.

“There isn’t much else in this area that has been well received by the public and for places to go during the summer as there is no pub in Forncett.”

The proposals will go before planners soon.