A new café has opened its doors in Ipswich, serving locally-sourced coffee and food.

Arkana Coffee has opened at the top of Northgate Street in Ipswich, opposite the Halberd Inn pub.

Signs went up around the outside of the then-vacant space in late December, with the new coffee shop opening its doors on January 25.

The coffee shop is run by partners, Ian Dobney and Rodica Geogea.

Ipswich Star: Partners Rodica Geogea and Ian Dobney have opened the business together. Credit: Tom CannPartners Rodica Geogea and Ian Dobney have opened the business together. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

They said: "Since opening, we have received fantastic support from the local community.

"We have had lovely people come in, our repeat business has been good.

"We are in an ideal place for a coffee shop opposite the pub, and we have a lot of footfall from people walking into town from Christchurch Park way.

"People have been coming in every day since we opened and people have said they really enjoy the coffee and the service."

Ipswich Star: Arkana Coffee is situated on St Margaret's Plain, opposite Halberd Inn. Credit: Tom CannArkana Coffee is situated on St Margaret's Plain, opposite Halberd Inn. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

This is the first business venture the pair have undertaken together, having been together for a year.

Ahead of the opening, the pair tried various coffees to see which one they would like to serve and settled on Bury St Edmunds company, Butterworth & Son.

They are open seven days a week, 8am - 4pm, but due to their location, will look to extend opening hours in the summer months.

Ipswich Star: They offer coffee from Butterworth & Sons in Bury St Edmunds, and baked goods supplied by a local company every morning. Credit: Tom CannThey offer coffee from Butterworth & Sons in Bury St Edmunds, and baked goods supplied by a local company every morning. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Arkana Coffee is also dog-friendly and is decorated inside with paintings created by a family friend and local artist, which are going to be rotated for different paintings throughout the year, to showcase the work.

They sell baked goods that they work closely with a local supplier with, who bake them in the mornings.

The business has opened in the wake of many closures around the town, including K Bar and Grill and Oasis on the waterfront.

Ipswich Star: Denise and Robin from Martlesham were enjoying a cup of coffee in Arkana. Credit: Tom CannDenise and Robin from Martlesham were enjoying a cup of coffee in Arkana. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)