Speciality coffee brewer Kofra has opened a new café at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

Norwich Evening News: Customers show off their takeaway cups from coffee brewer Kofra, which has opened a cafe in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at UEA. Picture: Hannah HutchinsCustomers show off their takeaway cups from coffee brewer Kofra, which has opened a cafe in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at UEA. Picture: Hannah Hutchins (Image: Hannah Hutchins)

The coffee company, based in Unthank Road, Norwich, has taken over the former East End Café, situated behind the art gallery's reception desk.

The exciting new partnership between the arts venue at the University of East Anglia and Kofra is a perfect match, according to Richard Smith, Sainsbury Centre marketing and communications officer.

He said: 'Kofra already had their identity and we saw there was a good opportunity there. They offer amazing products and are dedicated to their craft of coffee.

'It seemed to make sense, that they could enhance the visitor experience.'

A range of speciality coffees from some of the world's most renowned roasters will be available at the Sainsbury Centre, along with other coffee products and limited edition takeaway coffee cups featuring a unique design created by a local artist.

The brewing team are also working on a special blend which will be unique to the centre.

Kofra founder José De León Guzmán, who will personally lead the team at the centre, said: 'We have enjoyed the custom and enthusiastic support of many members of both UEA staff and students at our Norwich premises, which is going from strength to strength.

'This loyal support gives us the courage and determination to take on the formidable but exhilarating challenge of providing visitors with coffee and refreshments that meet the standard of excellence that is the hallmark of the Sainsbury Centre.'

Ghislaine Wood, Sainsbury Centre's deputy director, added: 'Kofra coffee is arguably the best in Norwich and we look forward to working in partnership with José and his team to offer our visitors a memorable experience whilst they visit the centre.'

Kofra at the Sainsbury Centre, which opened on Saturday, will serve coffee, hot drinks and a selection of cakes and sweet treats, created specially by local artisan bakers for Kofra to pair with coffees.

It is open during gallery open hours – Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm.