A NEW coffee and health shop is about to open in Abergele within the next week.

Hayley Brownhill hopes to welcome customers to “The Coffee Cottage and Health Shop”, on Market Street, for the first time on either July 8 or 10.

After 24 years at “Roots Café Abergele”, also on Market Street, Hayley is preparing to run a business for the first time.

She said: “I’m hoping to open this weekend, all being well. I’m just waiting for signage to be delivered; if not Saturday, then we’ll hopefully open next Monday. Otherwise, we’re all ready to go.

“I’m trying to make it as healthy as I can. I’ve always been interested in this; throughout lockdown, I did a few courses in holistic and natural health.

“It’s going to be dog-friendly, too, with a little area serving dog treats and shampoos.

“I was originally meant to take on the Nature’s Way health shop (on Market Street) when that closed down, but didn’t get round to it; but when this came up, I thought it’d be a nice little venture for me.

“It’s in a prime location, right next door to the (Gwalia House) butchers, so I think it’ll do well.

“A lot of cafes and businesses have closed in Abergele since lockdown, and people often say they can’t get a coffee anywhere here.”

Hayley plans to sell a range of iced coffees and teas and smoothies at the shop, as well as a small selection of cakes.

There will also be a range of health products on sale, such as cosmetics and supplements.

It is likely to be open six days a week (closed on Sundays), from roughly 8.30am until 4.30pm, with Hayley hoping to stay open later, until about 6pm, one night a week.

She added: “I think to be open later one night a week would benefit the town, to give people somewhere to get a nice, refreshing drink other than at a pub.

“It’s taken longer than we thought, because it needed new plumbing and electrics and all sorts; it’s a very old building.

“Everyone seems to be excited about it, though; I think people will appreciate a nice, freshly-made coffee or tea.

“I’m going to be doing specials as well, with smoothies and protein shakes; there are a lot of people here who go to the gym, so I want to try and hit that crowd, too.”