A new business run by a well-known family has had a soft launch on a resort's seafront pledging to provide "quality coffee, teas and specialist ice creams".

David Manning and his wife Vivien - part of the Manning family - have launched a new venture called Sweetwater at Forum Amusements in Sea Road, Felixstowe, but a date for the official opening is yet to be decided.

Mr Manning's nephew Charles runs the nearby Mannings Amusements and the Beach Street container complex, while David built the Forum and opened Saltwater fish and chips, next door to Sweetwater, in June 2020.

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East Anglian Daily Times: The Sweetwater business offers speciality teas and coffeesThe Sweetwater business offers speciality teas and coffees (Image: Vivien Manning)Mrs Manning said: "We are looking to provide a quality offering and have installed a La Marzocco coffee machine which coffee lovers will recognise as an excellent machine.

"We provide inside and outside seating. There is also a takeaway ice-cream parlour."

Among the range of products on offer is speciality tea and coffee provided by Butterworth and Son in Bury St Edmunds, as well as Marshfield Farm Ice Cream, which is also used to make the milkshakes on offer.

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Plant-based ice cream, sorbets, smoothies and shaved ice are also on sale, while the coffee is made from freshly-ground arabica beans.

East Anglian Daily Times: The interior of the new Sweetwater business on Felixstowe seafrontThe interior of the new Sweetwater business on Felixstowe seafront (Image: Vivien Manning)The well-known Mr Whippy soft-mix brand of ice cream is also available, with customers being able to choose a flavour and add a flake or toppings.

Mrs Manning added: "During Covid, we realised we had to diversify from running the arcade only. Additionally our own family involvement in the business had expanded.

"We refurbished and opened Saltwater fish and chips in June 2020.

"The natural progression was then to owner manage the complete site and in the spring of 2022 we gave the previous tenants of the premises two summers' notice to find alternative premises.

"We have invested in the refurbishment of Sweetwater to provide a quality offering of specialist coffee, teas and excellent ice creams, ably managed by Marie Revett.

"We are always looking for staff with an understanding of good service."