A new food store in Ipswich has announced when it will open its doors to customers for the first time.

Imperio Food Stores will open on Friday, November 22 in the former Just A Day Bridal shop in Norwich Road.

In May it was announced that the former bridal shop, which closed in June 2023 ahead of moving, was going to become a food store.

The shop will serve a variety of European foods and drinks.

In July the owners of the shop applied for an alcohol licence but concerns were raised due to crime rates in the area.

According to Suffolk police, 165 crimes were reported in the 12 months leading up to June 24, this year.

Imperio Food Stores in IpswichImperio Food Stores in Ipswich (Image: Google Maps)

Of those crimes, 85 were relating to anti-social behaviour, 30 involved drugs and 21 others related to violence against a person.

After consideration, the licence was granted subject to conditions of no bottles of beer, stout or cider to be sold individually.

Brenda Lucena, the daughter of one of the directors, said previously: “We are committed to help improving the community and we think Imperio will be a good opportunity to hire local residents and bring more prestige to the area.

“We are a friend of the community and we always look to engage in any way we can."

Ipswich Borough Westgate Ward councillor Colin Kreidewolf said: "I think it is an excellent use of the space and is a welcome addition to the great food offer on Norwich Road.

"A Portuguese food store will add to the choice and complements the owners café next door of Oh Portuguese where you can get some of the best value coffee in town.

"It is pleasing to see businesses developing and expanding."