A café bringing the “magic of the circus” to your coffee and cake dates has opened at Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome.

Whether you’re in town for a show or just fancy a stroll along the seafront, Café 1903 is a new addition to the historic circus venue – but you don’t need a ticket.

Eastern Daily Press: Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome CircusCafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus (Image: Archant 2022)

The business unofficially launched back in Halloween but with this year's Easter shows fast approaching, Hippodrome director and ringmaster Jack Jay says it will be the first time the cafe has been open alongside one of their biggest performances of the year.

Mr Jay said the idea was to “extend the Hippodrome experience” for visitors as well as creating a hub for locals to relax with a cup of coffee.

It will run by his partner and passionate baker Natacha Lacey.

Eastern Daily Press: Cookies and muffins, tea and coffee at Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus.Cookies and muffins, tea and coffee at Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus. (Image: Archant 2022)

“It has been something we have been talking about doing for a very long time,” said Mr Jay. “So when the pandemic hit and we had more time on our hands, it was the push we needed to get going.

“Cafe 1903 gives you a flavour of the magic we create at the Hippodrome, where people can also enjoy great food and drinks.

“There are some amazing bits from our circus museum which creates an absolute visual feast but it is also a super relaxed space.

“I can guarantee it will be the most unique coffee shop experience anyone has ever had before.”

Café 1903, formerly a storage and garage space, is located between the dance school and the circus’ main entrance.

Eastern Daily Press: The interior of Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus.The interior of Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus. (Image: Archant 2022)

It is offering “artisan-style” coffee sourced from a Cambridge-based company as well as fresh and hand-made food options.

The menu includes sandwiches, paninis, bagels, cakes and baked treats all made by Ms Lacey.

Mr Jay added: “It’s an incredible lunch and coffee spot.

Eastern Daily Press: Natacha Lacey, manager, and Jack Jay, company director, in the recently opened Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus.Natacha Lacey, manager, and Jack Jay, company director, in the recently opened Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus. (Image: Archant 2022)

“The feedback has been fantastic from people coming to see our shows. They say the café has added to their experience but what has been really nice is how many local people and families have also been coming in and making it their own.”

The Hippodromes’ award-winning show Pirates Live will return in April.

You can book tickets here. https://hippodromecircus.co.uk/pirates-live

Eastern Daily Press: One of the billboars promoting the Hippodrome Circus on the wall in Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus.One of the billboars promoting the Hippodrome Circus on the wall in Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus. (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: The elephant car which used to drive along the seafront during the 1960s and 1970s, now in Cafe 1903 amongst other circus memorabilia at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus.The elephant car which used to drive along the seafront during the 1960s and 1970s, now in Cafe 1903 amongst other circus memorabilia at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus. (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: A latte and sausage roll at Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus.A latte and sausage roll at Cafe 1903 at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus. (Image: Archant 2022)