The owner of a new environmentally-friendly coffee shop in Norwich hopes her business will also encourage a sense of community spirit.

Before opening the Juniper Coffee Shop on September 4, Tracey Skitmore-Rout had left her job as a social worker, but sees her new business as still fulfilling a 'social role'.

'So many people feel isolated,' she said. 'We live in a society of couples. It's not easy if you're on your own.'

There are plans for the coffee shop, which also has a music licence and an alcohol licence, to host a series of evening events, such as quiz nights, with the aim of 'getting people together'.

Ms Skitmore-Rout explained that some of her customers live on their own and 'want to chat for a while'.

Eastern Daily Press: Gluten free and vegan cookie dough brownies at the Juniper Coffee Shop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYGluten free and vegan cookie dough brownies at the Juniper Coffee Shop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'I really do enjoy meeting people and talking to them,' she said.

A keen baker, she had always wanted to open a coffee shop and when the opportunity came up, she thought, 'I am going to go for it'.

Gluten-free brownies and rhubarb and custard tarts have been selling well since doors opened last week.

Ms Skitmore-Rout said her friends have tried to persuade her to take part in the Great British Bake Off but that she does not have the time.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside Juniper Coffee Shop, an environmentally friendly, gluten free and vegan newly opened in St Stephen's Road. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYInside Juniper Coffee Shop, an environmentally friendly, gluten free and vegan newly opened in St Stephen's Road. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

She is currently working 60 to 70 hour weeks at the family-run business, where her daughter, Lucy, works as a barista.

Business at the new venture has been 'steady', Ms Skitmore-Rout explained, adding that customers have been 'amazing'.

'The people have been so supportive, telling me, 'You're independent and we really want to support you'.'

Ms Skitmore-Rout said that being environmentally friendly was important to the business. The coffee shop uses locally-sourced produce, while all takeaway materials, including coffee cups, lids and cutlery, are biodegradable.

Eastern Daily Press: Juniper Coffee Shop, an environmentally friendly, gluten free and vegan newly opened in St Stephen's Road. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYJuniper Coffee Shop, an environmentally friendly, gluten free and vegan newly opened in St Stephen's Road. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Nothing sold at the new venture contains plastic. The disposable coffee cups are made instead with plant-based materials.

The coffee shop has two floors, with shelves of boardgames and a book-swap station on the first floor, where customers can borrow, swap and read books. The Juniper Coffee Shop, on 13 St Stephen's Road, is open Tuesday to Sunday.