Altonians are getting a big taste of things to come as the town’s newest café-bar will soon open.

The finishing touches are being put on Antico Lounge with the High Street eatery opening on Wednesday, August 13.

The West Country chain has given the former M&Co store a stylish makeover while its arrival will create around 30 jobs for local people.

Antico Lounge has been billed as a “real home from home” that caters for all tastes with a menu that includes all-day breakfast, brunch and dinner options.

Vegan, gluten-free and full kids’ menus are also available with games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer along with high chairs and baby-changing facilities for “Little Loungers”.

John English, head of community at The Lounges, said the firm is “so looking forward” to the big launch.

He said: “We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents and visitors.

“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Alton’s food and drink scene.

“Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we are open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.”

There’s more good news for that part of the High Street as a homeware and furnishings shop is opening next door.

The paint is barely dry on the frontage to Journeys End Interiors with the Romsey firm soon to open its second Hampshire branch in the former Tui store unit.

Shoppers can expect a “carefully curated selection of homeware and furnishings” at the interiors and lifestyle store, which is also inviting applications from people with a “passion for interiors and excellent customer service”.