A Cheltenham business man has launched a new café in Gloucester because he can see the city's business potential.

Mark Bennett, age 58, launched The March Hare just two weeks ago after investing £10,000 of his own money.

Mr Bennett is very happy with the reception his new café has received from shoppers and locals and he is already getting repeat customers he told Punchline.

Mr Bennett previously owned two hotels, the Pegglesworth Hotel, Andoversford, and the Malvern View Hotel, Cheltenham.

He has been in the hospitality industry for 40 years.

The March Hare café, which was previously a jewellers shop for many years, is situated on The Oxebode opposite Debenhams in an area known for having many charity shops.

Mr Bennett said: "I wanted to open a little café on The Oxebode after seeing what a lovely place it is. "It is certainly nice to be in Gloucester and the City Council have been very helpful and welcoming.

"We will be selling a variety of cakes, tea, coffee, cold drinks, afternoon teas, light lunches and breakfasts, and, it also has an old fashioned sweet and chocolate counter."

Picture: Mark Bennett the owner of The March Hare and his good friend Bryher Hall who is working in the café in its opening weeks.