After taking a "leap of faith" during the pandemic, a coffee shop owner has expanded her business once more to meet demand. 

Julie Cameron, 56, from Felmingham, first opened Swallows at 24a Market Place in North Walsham in 2017.

But when lockdown restrictions came into force, she had to decide whether to shut her tiny coffee shop or find a new location with outside space. 

READ MORE: Second aerial display announced to replace Red Arrows at Cromer Carnival

Owner Julie Cameron outside the newly expanded Swallows Coffee Shop Picture: Sonya DuncanOwner Julie Cameron outside the newly expanded Swallows Coffee Shop Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Fortunately, her landlords also owned a larger property at 32 Vicarage Street in the town and she relocated there in September 2020. 

She said: "I took a leap of faith and it has grown so much since then.

"I have so many loyal customers and Swallows has become a real community hub."

The business has now grown again and expanded into the neighbouring unit, which was previously used as an office.

Inside Swallows Coffee Shop in North Walsham Picture: Sonya DuncanInside Swallows Coffee Shop in North Walsham Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Along with her partner, family and friends, they worked hard over four days to knock through a wall and decorate.

READ MORE: Al fresco riverside restaurant launches secret supper club

It has added 20 covers, taking the combined total inside and outside to around 60.

With the extra space, she has been able to introduce new breakfast dishes such as fry-ups and pancakes.

The extended outside space at Swallows Coffee Shop Picture: Sonya DuncanThe extended outside space at Swallows Coffee Shop Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

The menu also includes croissants, crumpets, toast, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, soups, chips, coffees, cakes and scones. 

Alongside soft drinks, she has an alcohol licence and serves beers, ciders, wines, spirits and Swallows' signature passion fruit cocktail.

She added: "My customers love all the extra space - I was having to turn people away on colder days and I can fit them in now."

Owner Julie Cameron inside Swallows Coffee Shop in North Walsham Picture: Sonya DuncanOwner Julie Cameron inside Swallows Coffee Shop in North Walsham Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

She also hosts a quiz night on the third Friday of each month and chef Steve Norgate will be cooking at evening pop-ups on select dates in August and September.

Pre-booking is essential for both, either in-person or by messaging the Swallows Coffee Shop Facebook page. 

The opening times are 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays).