A NEW independent cafe has opened on Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

Emir Gulcek opened his new cafe, Za Za on December 3.

Za Za specialises in healthy, fresh and tasty food in a comfortable environment.

After living in Bournemouth and running various businesses in the area, Emir knew what the Bournemouth High Street was missing.

He explained: "In Bournemouth we have Pret a Manger, Costa and more but there isn't anywhere that provides only fresh products.

"The idea is that people look at our food and see exactly what they are getting."

Fresh food is a focal point for the staff at Za Za, who specialise in a wide selection of breakfast, lunch and snack options that not only taste good, but are good for you too.

The breakfast menu details Za Za 'specials', sourdough toasties, an option to 'mix and match' salad items, superfood bowls and much more.

Fresh smoothies and juices are also available.

Providing a variety of meal options for customers is something Emir was keen to do.

He said: "There are limited places for a fresh breakfast and lunch, most places do an ordinary breakfast such as a Full English. We offer something different."

The location on Old Christchurch road enables Emir and his enthusiastic staff to promote their fresh food approach to the Bournemouth public, with an aim of inspiring them to try something new.

Whether that's a vegetarian/vegan meal, or just a cake that they have never tried before.

Making people feel welcome is also an extremely important aspect of the business.

Emir explained: "We are friendly to people to make them feel welcome. If they have problems in their life outside of the cafe, they can come inside the cafe and forget about them for a while."

The welcoming nature of the staff at Za Za is a result of the cafe being family orientated.

Emir said: "My father used to run a restaurant as well, so my business is based on family."

With vast experience in the hospitality and food industry and being trained in Hotel Management, Emir is planning big steps for the future, despite having only opened the cafe in the beginning of December.

Future plans involve building a social media presence and expanding the cafe's reach.

Emir also hopes that after Christmas he will be able to supply Za Za's food to different local shops.

Sustainability plans are also in the pipeline, and is something Za Za will gradually expand on once they receive more feedback from customers.

The whole experience of opening a new cafe has been enjoyable for Emir, but his favourite part of the process has been the food and decor.

He highlighted the importance of first impressions: "The decor in the entrance and the food on the counter are the important parts as that is what customers will see first when they walk in."

If you want to try something tasty, or just want visit somewhere new, Za Za is now open on Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.