A RECESSION-busting café which sells meals for less than a pound is to open in Yate.

The 99p café will open its door on Wednesdya, December 5 at 14 North Walk in Yate Shopping Centre.

All dishes including slices of pizza, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, baguettes, Panini’s and sausage rolls will cost less than a pound.

The business is the brainchild of Cheltenham businessman Tam Emirali, who opened his first branch in the Gloucestershire town in February.

He said: "It is a completely new concept and we do try to give customers value for money.

"We know what sells and what does not. Everything is made fresh on the premises daily and a lot of our products are sourced from local suppliers.

“We provide value in difficult times, but customer satisfaction is very important to us."

He said the company bought in bulk to enable meals to be sold at such low prices.

Mr Emirali said: "The cafe is affordable and so reaches out to everybody in all parts of the community and caters for everybody – from the elderly to kids.

“Buying products directly from local suppliers in high volume and working on a lower profit margin have helped keep the prices at 99p.”

Yate Shopping Centre manager Andrew Lowrey said: “We pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of shops and cafes ranging from local independent traders to main High Street names that appeal to our diverse mix of shoppers.”

Earlier this year, budget shops Poundland and 99p Stores opened in Yate sparking criticism from local business leaders that the town needs more high profile retailers.