Coffee and Cream cafe and dessert parlour to open in Reading

Coffee and Cream in Park Lane, Tilehurst, is set to offer affordable coffee in the mornings from March 1 followed by waffles, crepes and doughnuts later in the day.

Owner Charan Singh, who also operates Park Lane Off Licence next door, asked 500 of his customers what they wanted on the street before coming up with the idea of two businesses in one.

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“I’m very excited that it’s coming along I’m getting the equipment, the sign boards up, the logos up, the uniforms ready,” said Charan, from Staines.

“But because it’s happening so fast the nerves are kicking in now.”

Coffee and Cream in Park Lane, next door to Charan's other business, Park Lane Off Licence

The shopkeeper plans to open the shop from 7am until 10pm for the first few weeks to research when people are looking for caffeine-based pick-me-up or a sweet treat, before reducing the hours.

“In the five years I’ve been here this community has really welcomed me so much and it got me thinking when this opportunity came next door that I need to give back to the community.”

Kasey, who will be managing day-to-day operations at Coffee and Cream

The dessert section will sell waffles, crepes, cookie doughs, milkshakes and fresh doughnuts as well as a slushie machine for children.

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“We’re keeping pricing really reasonable. I’ve been brought up in a convenience store where the profit margins are 15 – 20 per cent.

“So next door we’re hoping to cut a lot of prices just so we can give back to the community and bring a lot of footfall – that’s the main priority.”

“I know a lot of coffee shops have opened nearby and I’ve heard they’re quite dear – coffee is like £3 or something.”