A NEW cafe is bringing the taste of the Mediterranean to Shoebury with an ambitious fusion of English and Moroccan cuisine.

The new Cafe Avon has replaced the old Ramo’s takeaway in Avon Way and is now providing a mix of Moroccan cuisine and English staples.

Despite being a cafe, the business will stay open until 9pm and the owners are hoping the later hours will help create a “European dining experience” at the cafe.

Co-manager Theresa Fanning and head-chef Ramos have carried out a refurbishment and are now hoping to draw big crowds to the cafe despite its small size.

Echo: Baristas - Flori and CarlyBaristas - Flori and Carly (Image: Theresa Fanning)

Theresa said: “We are trying to make this place homely, with our mix of continental and English cuisine because Ramos is Moroccan.

“Before this it was his takeaway where he was also head chef.

“We view this as a collaboration between Cafe Avon and Ramos, whose food is well known in the area.

“We have a mix of pies, bangers and mash and similar English meals alongside spicy paella, wraps and Ramos’ amazing house potatoes. There is a lot of spice.

“He has a lot of experience, he even cooked for George Michael, and he has worked in top class London restaurants before.”

Echo: Coffee - The two baristas behind the counterCoffee - The two baristas behind the counter (Image: Theresa Fanning)

Theresa and Ramos – who owned the previous Ramo’s takeaway – teamed up to overhaul the business and officially began welcoming customers to the cafe last week.

Theresa added: “Staying open later fits the European dining experience we are pushing for, and it lends well for us, as we are only a short walk from the beach too.

“We are hoping when we are fully online, we will get more than just passing trade, it will get busier in the summer when people are used to us being open.”

“Cafe Avon also serves more unique drinks as well, such as bubble tea, which is quite different in the area and our freshly ground, traditional blend coffee.

“Our wraps are also incredibly popular.”

The cafe is also looking to expand its role in the community by hosting events, including an art and photography meet up on March 24.