A Malvern restaurant is turning the empty shop unit next door into a deli.

The old cobblers off Church Street is being transformed by the owner of The Fig, who has been waiting a full year to take it over.

And now she’s finally got the keys, Carly Weyman is wasting no time in refurbishing the shop, with some practical help from husband Tim.

“The cobblers asked if we wanted to take over the shop a year ago as they were going to concentrate their efforts in Barnards Green,” said Carly.

Malvern Gazette: The Fig and the old cobblers shop that is being transformedThe Fig and the old cobblers shop that is being transformed (Image: NQ)

“It was a bit of a no brainer, really. We thought about extending the restaurant but then we came up with the deli idea.

“There’s nowhere like it in Great Malvern - somewhere you can just walk in and buy an apple, or get everything you need for your evening meal. And it’s all fresh, quality produce.

“It’s really exciting. I think to see the transformation from what it is now to the finished deli, it’s going to be very special.”

READ MORE: Malvern restaurant The Fig open once again under new management

Right now the space is an empy shell - but Carly has a vision of where everything will be in the finished deli.

“Stud walls are going up, we’re putting new window sills, doors, flooring, wiring and lighting,” she said. 

“We want to open as soon as possible, really. Being open in time for the summer holidays would be ideal.”

Malvern Gazette: Work is underway to transform the old shopWork is underway to transform the old shop (Image: NQ)

The business model for the deli means it will operate as close to zero waste as possible.

Dried food such as rice will be in large dispensable containers, while fresh food not sold in the deli will be used in the restaurant.

“We’ve already lined up a few local suppliers, including for dairy products,” said Carly. “We’ll use Worcester Produce for our fruit and veg and Wallers in Ledbury for our meat.

“Some things we’ll make right here in the restaurant - our quiches, sausage rolls, chutneys and jams will all be homemade.

“And 95% of the menu in the restaurant is gluten free so we want to continue that in the deli.”