A COFFEE house is opening its newest store as it continues to expand.

Toast is preparing to open its fourth outlet in Witham.

The brand's first coffee house opened in Braintree in February 2020.

The business was started by pals Louis McNamee, Daniel Pearson and Robert Ely.

The trio each have their own businesses but wanted to launch one together.

Toast serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, milkshakes, toasties and sandwiches.

The first cafe opened just before the country went into the first coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, but managed to adapt and survived the pandemic.

The business has continued to expand, opening three more branches in Chelmsford, Sudbury and Walthamstow, although the London cafe eventually closed.

Now the trio are set to open their newest shop closer to home in Witham.

READ MORE >> 'This trend could carry on' - Councillor frustrated as 94-homes refusal overturned

Mr Ely said: “We did have four, one of which was Walthamstow, but it just didn’t work so we sold that last year.

“What we want to do is focus on the brand locally first, make sure to build it well around here and then branch out after.”

Mr Ely also spoke about the newest cafe and his excitement in continuing to expand.

“Witham will be our fourth and this is the one I am most excited about, excluding when we opened the original in Braintree," he said.

“It feels for me this is the first one where all of those lessons through mistakes and opening past stores have been learned and we feel confident in opening this one.

“It is a good shop fit, a really good location, everyone will see us when driving through.

“We are excited for Witham as well, as we feel like it is a nice alternative.

“We also see Costa with long queues so hopefully it will be another option and good for the town.”

The new Toast will be in Newland Street, with Rob saying they are aiming for a grand opening in the spring.