New African and Caribbean grocery store Kókó Place opening at 20 Market Street in Newbury

A brand new independent shop selling African and Caribbean groceries is set to open in Newbury.

Kókó Place – at 20 Market Street next door to Ghassan’s Kebab House – is currently preparing to open its doors to customers and its owners are hoping to do so before Christmas.

They are currently meeting with suppliers to discern when they will be able to receive the products they need to open.

Spokesperson Ayo Paul said: “The closest place you would go to have a feel of home or taste of the food you would have at home would be London or Reading.

“If you’re going to places like Theale, Aldermaston, Thatcham; to have such an experience isn’t easy.

“What we’re trying to do is to bring that experience here.

“When you want to make delicacies from home, you have a place to get those things and also a place where you can connect with the local community.”

The owners of Kókó Place also hope that their store can inspire Newbury locals to eat and make food they may never have tried before.

Mr Paul added: “It’s not only to cater to just the African and Caribbean market but actually to bring a taste of Africa to other people outside the African and Caribbean demographic.”