AN INTERNATIONAL coffee chain is set to open in Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre, just weeks after a popular cafe shut up shop. 

Esquires Coffee has confirmed it will open a kiosk in the middle of the shopping centre by the end of February.

The chain has grown rapidly in recent years, with more than 50 sites up and down the country. 

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Esquires is replacing Caffe Espresso which closed at the start of January - much to the disappointment of shoppers. 

Bosses describe the coffee chain as organic, ethical and responsibly-sourced, with all cups fully recyclable. 

Paul Collins, councillor responsible for asset management and inward investment, welcomed the news.

He said: “I am delighted that Esquires Coffee are due to open a new store in The Victoria Centre.

“They are an international ethical coffee chain with a great ethos.

“This new coffee house will increase footfall to the Victoria Shopping Centre and will offer somewhere new for shoppers to rest and relax.

“I look forward to calling in and seeing for myself.

“They join a growing list of national and international businesses that are choosing to open in our city.”  

Esquires Coffee has site across the UK and Ireland, with one already in Basildon.

This will be the company’s first in Southend, which they have now put on their site is “coming soon”.

Tessa Thowney, a 73-year-old, from Southend, expressed her sadness at the time about the closure of Caffe Expresso.

But she was delighted the site will be filled so swiftly.

Tessa said: “It is great news for the shopping centre.

“I am still sad for the staff that was there previously though, as they were very friendly.

“But I will be having a coffee here when it opens.”

Esquires Coffee was contacted for comment by the Echo.