A new coffee shop, bar and restaurant is close to be opened in Woolverstone by a Shotley peninsula couple.

Marian Coltofean and partner Monika Banasiak are both directors of MoniMar Ltd (see what they did there) and are aiming to open the new venue in May, as soon as the refurbishment is completed at the former Loch & Quay.

The couple, who both used to work at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, have taken on the lease from marina owners MDL and are aiming to make it the perfect venue for peninsula residents, sailors, tourists and business people, looking for a comfortable and welcoming place to meet.

Or even, hopefully, for Woolverstone United players and followers to celebrate their Suffolk Cup final result.

Marian, 44, whose background includes years in hospitality and as a consultant opening businesses, including the famed Middleton Steakhouse and Grill restaurants in Colchester and Chelmsford.

But it was his front of house skills at the Royal Harwich that led to the opportunity to open his own business with Monika and when the lease for the large restaurant bar building along with amazing terrace area, and stunning views down and the river Orwell, became available the pair pounced.

Marian said: "We had both reached a stage where we were at the highest levels we could reach where we were working. So I said 'let's go higher and do something in our community'.

"The MDL board were meeting at the Royal Harwich and long story short, they asked if we would be interested.

"We did surveys to find out what people wanted and we found that people wanted what we are about to offer on the peninsula, rather than travel in town, or elsewhere.

"Friends and family have been very excited for us and have given guidance and support already."

Monika, 37, learned her cheffing skills at Suffolk New College and has been in the kitchen at Royal Harwich for 13 years and has a wide range of top dishes in her repertoire.

With agency staff now preferred at the yacht club, Monika and Marian are throwing everything at MoniMar.

Monika said: "I have worked at Royal Harwich for 13 years so I know what is popular here and I will be making things I know people enjoy."

That will include everything from toasties, to prawn curry, Goulash squid, using peninsula produce, such as Mayhew's potatoes, Young's fish and meat from Woody's.

Woodys in Holbrook (Picture: Derek Davis)

Although Monika is Polish, Marian Romanian and with a Portuguese chef, the food will be decidedly British, although they do plan some themed nights to cover various nations' favourites.

There will also be a shop where people can buy Suffolk goods and provisions for mariners.

Marian emphasised MoniMar was looking to be little different with its offering for a wide range of customers.

"This is a place where you will be able to get a Latte (or whatever) a piece of cake, sit in comfort and relax," said Marian.

Marian and Monika planning the opening of Monimar (Picture: Derek Davis)

"Also, if you have a business meeting then this would be idea to bring people, enjoy the views and do some work.

"If it is something more casual you want then we will be a place to relax, it wont be a rowdy bar.

"Our first priority will be the peninsula residents, we know the sailors will use us, walkers, the people staying at the lodges, and of course tourists who will come from far off places."

The new venue will also create employment opportunities, with five full time and five part-time positions with flexible shifts to cater for potential staff from the peninsula.

Views from Monimar terrace (Picture: Derek Davis)

Marian was keen to point out that the couple are working very closely with site owners MDL, who have plans to expand the number of lodges at Woolverstone Park.

"They have been brilliant with us," he said. "They have invested into the building with new kitchen, new doors (including wheelchair access) and we are really grateful for their support."

A lot of work was needed on the building which was badly damaged by a fire (the court proceedings are ongoing) but the couple are ambitious, and have even started looking at longer term possibilities.

Marian added: "Five years from now I can see us transforming it into a real entertainment venue for the whole peninsula but also for the people from the lodges, a bit like a smaller centre parcs with activities.

"This will be a place people want to come and be."

Lodges at Woolverstone Park (Picture: Derek Davis)