A highly anticipated new farm shop and café has been forced to delay its opening by almost four months due to coronavirus.

The Algar family who purchased the former Old Lorry Farm Shop in Deal in October 2017 had been gearing up towards a June launch before the pandemic hit.

And although dad Colin Algar, a builder, was able to continue with some construction during the Covid-19 outbreak, delays with orders and deliveries now mean the new establishment is aiming to be up and running by the end of September.

The family from Westbrook in Thanet have invested substantial funds into the building creating a brand new barn-like venue. The interior once complete will have a rustic feel with wooden features.

They had waited two years for planning permission to be agreed before demolishing the old metal frame farm shop and constructing their own new version.

To be known as Algar Lodge Farm Shop & Café, the 7-day a week business will be run by mother and daughter Jane and Kelly Algar.

It will offer local produce including meat, vegetables, bread, fish and a deli, as well as sweet treats like fudge and cake.

Jane Algar, who has previously run her own online heath and beauty business, said: "It was a nice location and big plot. We could see it had a lot of potential and felt like the perfect new challenge for us.

"It took us two years to get planning permission then with everything that happened it's put us back by a further three to four months.

"Many of the items we need for the interior now have a six to eight week order time.

"But we're very excited to now be at the stage where we're working towards opening."

The shop will also boast a 20 table café, complete with an outdoor area, offering breakfasts and light lunches.

"We want it to be all about the quality of the food and complement other businesses nearby," Mrs Algar added.

They will also sell seasonal items such as pumpkins and Christmas trees - which were already growing on the 3.88 acre site - as well as year-round hampers.

Mrs Algar added: "I think people know that local, artisan food is generally more expensive but our aim is to be a good quality farm shop that's affordable for everybody."

Up to 10 jobs will be created in the farm shop, coffee shop and kitchen.

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