ALL IN BLACK has extended its brand name to Checkers. It has spent thousands of pounds refurbishing the former Spinnakers cafe in the Admiral Park supermarket.

A new menu has been introduced, including cooked breakfasts and homemade cakes.

All in Black’s 24, High Street manager Michelle Duquemin believed it would attract a variety of customers.

‘I think it will be a diverse customer base because there is the free coffee for senior citizens but we also serve office workers, our regulars and the construction workers.’

‘We hope that with all the offices it will be popular.’

People will still be able to send e-mails while having a drink as All in Black is keeping the row of computers.

Partitions have been added to make the cafe cosier, together with more comfortable seating.

A South African couple, Antoinette and Faan van Zyl, have been recruited to run it.

Mariana Lee, general manager of the cafes, hoped that people would stop for a drink and a bite to eat after doing their shopping.

‘People tend to rush in and out, but we want to encourage them to stop in at the cafe before they go home,’ said Mrs Lee.

Phase one of the refurbishment was completed before the cafe opened for business on Monday, while the second phase was due to take place at the end of the year.

All the plants have been removed, new black furniture added and paintings for sale will be hung on the walls.

The ceiling will be lowered six inches, a self-service counter will be introduced and wheelchair access to the cafe has been maintained.

* The cafe is open between 8am and 8pm six days a week.