A much-loved east Suffolk café is expanding rapidly as the build progresses at the site.

Alice Norman, owner of Pinch on Maple Farm in Kelsale, near Saxmundham, announced in December that the café would be expanding into a larger site in spring 2024. 

Recently released photos show the build's progression at the farm.

"Things are moving quite quickly at the moment," said Ms Norman, who was named in a guide to the UK's top 30 under 30 hospitality giants at the end of 2023.

East Anglian Daily Times: Building work is ongoing at Maple FarmBuilding work is ongoing at Maple Farm (Image: Alice Norman)

"We are hoping to be in the new site by mid-spring but I am not being specific about dates as we don't want to give our customers any false hope. 

"It is starting to look really beautiful."

As a chef, Ms Norman is particularly thrilled about the kitchen, which is set to be "ginormous."

East Anglian Daily Times: Alice Norman opened Pinch in May 2021Alice Norman opened Pinch in May 2021 (Image: Pinch)

There will be big sliding doors to separate the café from the kitchen, but Ms Norman plans to keep these open to show the process of the kitchen team making the Roman-style pizza which will be making its way into the café's offering. 

There will also be some indoor seating, but the style of the café is going to be very casual and laid-back, designed for people to choose food from the counter and take away to sit on the farm and enjoy or take to the nearby beaches.

East Anglian Daily Times: Things are moving quite quickly at the moment, said Ms NormanThings are moving quite quickly at the moment, said Ms Norman (Image: Alice Norman)

"We are steering away from anything fancy and styling it on Roman pizza places, which are so nice and casual," said Ms Norman.

"The pizzas will be ready to go, like pastries in a bakery."

There will also be some farinata available, which is a gluten-free alternative to pizza dough.

East Anglian Daily Times: The cafe's popular crullers are still on the menu - and will remain on the menu at the new site tooThe cafe's popular crullers are still on the menu - and will remain on the menu at the new site too (Image: Alice Norman)

"It is so exciting, but we had to feel like the time was right before we went ahead," said Ms Norman. 

"You have to drive to get to us which can raise expectations and we are working to make sure that everything we are doing is delicious."

Pinch at Maple Farm will remain open and serving its crullers until it moves into the new site.