A NEW Winchester city centre coffee shop has opened its doors.

Kavi Coffee, in Jewry Street, held its grand opening on Friday, May 24.

The business was opened by the Mayor of Winchester Russell Gordon-Smith and the shop's managing directors Dhan Tamang and Dhan Sakri.

Cllr Gordon-Smith, in a speech prior to the shop opening, said: “It is great to have a new shop opening in Winchester.

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“This location has been empty for five years and was boarded up – it was not what we wanted.”

Hampshire Chronicle: L-R: Dhan Tamang, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith, and Dhan SakriL-R: Dhan Tamang, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith, and Dhan Sakri (Image: Chris Atkinson)

Speaking to the Chronicle, Dhan Tamang said: “This has been a dream for many years, so this is a dream come true. It will be great for the community – I think the Winchester community deserves better coffee, and we hope to offer the best coffee, and the best food in a great location.

@hampshire_chronicle Kavi Coffee has opened in Jewry Street in Winchester. Join us for a quick look inside! . . . #shop #kavi #coffee #winchester #hampshire #hampshirechronicle ♬ Morning Coffee - Chevy & Nalba

“I’m very proud.

“There are many ways we will stand out. What we have covering wise, table wise, we have nearly 100 covers – I think we have the most tables and chairs. And, two, coffee wise I have been in the coffee business for 18 years, competing in many competitions around the world.

“And food wise we have a chef who has more than 25 years of experience. I think that is a big difference. I have been travelling around the world making coffee for many years  - I wanted to bring that experience and different coffee cultures together in Winchester.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Members of the public queueing up for coffeeMembers of the public queueing up for coffee (Image: Chris Atkinson)

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Mr Tamang, who is also the founder of DT Coffee Roastery, in Moorside Road, Winnall, said that Kavi Coffee is focusing on building its brand and working with local suppliers and businesses in the future.

He continued: “It has been great and everyone who is here it is good to see. I am very proud that we have some many people here today for opening day.

“Our staff have been working very hard for the last however-many months and today is the day and I think we are ready to go.”