A NEW cafe has opened in a quiet shopping centre and its owners hope to rejuvenate the area.

The Weavers replaced the Tea Room in the Guild, Wilton, and opened its doors for the first time on Monday, August 12.

Tucked into the courtyard section among offices, the cafe offers locally sourced food on a newly crafted menu which also includes hot drinks and sweet treats.

Handmade sandwiches with four different fillings, toasties, salad bowls and ice cream are on the menu.

Read more: ​Brown Street closing temporarily for change of ownership

Manager Ross Moore lives in veteran-supported housing and worked in the Tea Room before it closed earlier this year.

The 40-year-old father was asked by one of his regular customers whether he'd like to co-manage the cafe if he were to take the place over.

Mr Moore accepted and now runs the place with his partner Chrissie.

Salisbury Journal: Manager Ross Moore behind the counter.Manager Ross Moore behind the counter. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Mr Moore said his first week of trading has "gone brilliantly" and he's "well exceeded" what he wanted to do.

He added: "We're putting out heart and soul into it. People like the menu, it's different."

So far, footfall has mainly consisted of shoppers and people working in the offices since Mr Moore is relying on word of mouth to spread the news of the opening.

Salisbury Journal: Inside the Weavers.Inside the Weavers. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Many retailers have left the Guild since the Covid pandemic resulting in the area becoming very quiet with just three shops remaining.

Despite this, Mr Moore is "excited" about the future of his business and hopes regulars who enjoyed the previous cafe will return.

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He told the Journal he'd like to run events and offer games for the children further down the line to "give back" to the community.

Salisbury Journal: Empty street inside the Guild.Empty street inside the Guild. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Mr Moore also suggested ways the Guild can be improved to boost footfall, he said: "It needs some charity shops and maybe some activity shops such as cardmaking or a florist. There's also no gym in Wilton.

"We don't want this to be stressful, we want it to be something fun and enjoyable."

The Weavers, named as a homage to the building's history as a carpet shop, is advertised as a child and dog-friendly cafe.