A POPULAR sandwich shop in Lyme Regis has been taken over by new owners who say they are 'excited' to get going at the popular lunch spot.

Clare and Tim Rouse, who live near Axminster, recently picked up the keys for the Lyme Bay Sandwich Co, located at 16 Marine Parade.

The small business was previously owned by Angela and Neil Vaughn, who had the shop for 11 years but are now going into semi-retirement.

This left the door open for Devon couple Clare and Tim, whose two sons Tobi and Harry have worked at the venue.

Speaking to the Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Clare explained how the couple - who are also set to enlist the help of daughters Edi and Lottie - plan to reopen the shop by the beginning of April.

"Our eldest son Tobi has worked for the shop for the last five years and last season my youngest Harry took over the reins," she said.

"[Angela and Neil] said they wanted to retire and the boys kept saying 'mum, why don't you do it?'

"I have been in catering on and off all my working life and my husband and I have had previous businesses as well. So we thought why not?"

Clare and Tim - originally from Sussex - added they did not want to make big changes to the shop but were keen on making use of local food producers, in particular for coffee.

The menu will remain largely the same, with customers able to choose from a range of  sandwiches, cakes and drinks.

"We got the keys last week so currently we are just revamping it and hoping to be open by the beginning of April," Clare said.

"We will have a bit of a change in layout but they have got it working well for the last 11 years so there is not too much that we want to change, it is what Lyme needs. It is just such a happy place and there is always something going on. 

"We are very excited - obviously the boys have both worked there and they are going to be guiding us for sure.

"We have friends locally so we want to use some of their roasted beans [for coffeee] and just try and give a variety, introducing some local coffee houses and small businesses.

"All businesses are struggling and if we can help out then that is what we want to do." 

The pair say they also have some 'good connections' in Lyme with Tim a member of the sailing club.

They aim to open seven days a week during the peak summer season and cut back hours over the winter.