A NEW Coffee Shop has opened in Beaufort Arms in Monmouth, welcoming customers to enjoy a café and community hub which brings people together.

Eat me, drink me opened its doors on August 31 and is run by owners Kat Thomas and Ryan Russell.

On just their first day of opening, Kat said she was surprised by the amount of people visiting the new business as well as the extent of positive feedback they received.

“It’s been absolutely manic; I didn’t expect it to be. Everyone has been so kind,” said Kat.

The meaning behind the shop name came from Kat’s love for Alice in Wonderland as well as her dream to run a coffee shop.

“My dream was to have my own café. I managed community cafés, so I wanted this one to be a bit different. My grandad used to read me Alice in Wonderland so it’s Alice in Wonderland themed.”

But beyond just an ordinary café there is a sense of giving back to the community as it provides a hub where people can visit to unwind.

“I want it to be more than coffee, a community aspect of it as well for people to come if their lonely, need an extra chat and just a place for people to be in Monmouth.

“We’ve got a little community library, all the colourings for the children to do and community notice boards for people to advertise.”

To coincide with the community aspect, every coffee purchased gives back to their chosen charity.

“Our coffee is Pinky Promise from Scout Coffee Roasters in Newport and every coffee you buy gives back to St David’s Hospice. My mum works for St David’s Hospice so I thought it was something to give back into the community as well,” added Kat.