Word has it a new coffee shop called Rumour has opened on Sheppey.

The coffee house, at High Street, Sheerness, opposite the Co-op store, sports a vintage industrial theme with three levels of seating.

It opened today.

Project manager Lisa Pond said: “We are very excited to be opening and meeting all our new customers. The aim of the Rumour coffee shop has been to create a new experience for the people of Sheppey.

“We will be serving freshly-ground coffee, teas, light lunches, homemade cakes, vintage afternoon teas and even VIP parties.”

She added: “There’s nothing quite like this on Sheppey. It’s really different, like it’s from London or Whitstable.

“We’ve got little tea cups hanging from the ceiling and recycled wood pallets for the counter and table tops; it’s really quirky.”

The shop – which used to be The Island Partnershop – is run by The Pyramid Project, a Sheppey-based social enterprise that helps people overcome anxiety through a range of workshops.

Proceeds from the coffee shop will go to the initiative.

Miss Pond added: “The project aims to promote social inclusion by helping individuals overcome barriers such as anxiety, lack of self belief or just simply being isolated from the community.

“We would also like to host workshops, bringing the community together.

“Rumour really is a community coffee shop.”

Rumour seats 34 people and also offers sandwiches and drinks as a takeaway service.

It will be open from 8.30am to 4.30pm seven days a week.

Anyone involved with a community group, such as a book club, a crochet group, or those interested in starting a new group, is asked to share their interest with staff at the shop.

Alternatively, call 01795 227450 for more information.