A new family-run deli catering for the vegan market is now open in Five Valleys in Stroud.

Husband and wife team, James and Charlotte Lawrence, set up Vegicatessen online 16 months ago, after James was made redundant during the pandemic.

Following the success of the website, the couple were encouraged to search for their first bricks and mortar store and chose Five Valleys as the ideal location to develop their business further and fill a gap in the market.

James Lawrence said: "We both feel passionately about delivering exemplary customer service and offering the very best in quality and range of plant-based produce.

"We visit Stroud every weekend, as we find it to be a vibrant town boasting lots of culture with a community of people that really supports small, independent businesses."

Vegicatessen offers a wide range of vegan delicatessen alternatives, including cashew-based artisan cheeses and a selection of charcuterie meat.

Alongside the deli counter, which stocks a range of takeaway sandwiches and salads, it has a wide range of ambient goods, including condiments and cooking sauces.

James and Charlotte pride themselves on hand picking and endorsing all products themselves and stocking delicacies that aren't available in major supermarkets.

Wherever possible, Vegicatessen will stock local artisanal products from Stroud and Gloucestershire-based producers, and would urge anybody specialising in vegan and plant-based products to get in touch.

Jessica Derham, centre manager for Five Valleys, said: "It's wonderful to see another quality foodie business join our centre.

"The centre is undergoing a huge multi-million-pound transformation currently and the businesses joining us on this journey are a huge part of the Five Valleys transformation."

The new vegan deli is open seven days a week and has created four new jobs.