THE saga of Kelly’s Kitchen at last reached a happy ending when its new premises were opened in Christchurch High Street.

The popular cafe has moved into the former Jarvis Radio shop, just 50 yards away from where it used to be.

And one of Terry and Rose Kelly’s oldest customers, 94-year-old Bob Kirby, came along to cut the ribbon as well-wishers queued to try out the new Kelly’s Kitchen.

“It’s wonderful,” said Bob, of Southbourne.

“I think a door has closed but a new door has opened. It’s much better and a great credit to the owners. I’ll be coming back as long as I can.”

Bob used to go into Christchurch three or four times a week with his sister-in-law for coffee or a meal until her death a year ago.

“Everybody in Kelly’s Kitchen is so kind. They’re a great credit to Christchurch,” he said.

Christchurch resident Winifred Martin, 70, said of the new cafe: “It’s smashing. There’s a lot more room. I will be a regular here.”

Another regular customer, Monica Russell, who was with her 16-year-old daughter Nicola, said: “It’s the only place where someone like her can come in and have chicken nuggets and chips.”

Ken Moakes of Bransgore said: “It’s brilliant, very nice. I’ve been a regular for years.

“I come in for a quick coffee and a chat with Terry and the girls. It’s a very friendly family business.”

The Kellys became involved in a lengthy battle with Dorset County Council after their old cafe was earmarked for a library extension, which is now going ahead.

Terry Kelly said: “We’re very happy it’s finally come to a conclusion and we can look forward to the future.

“This is an asset to the town and we’ve been able to do things we’d have loved to have done where we were.

“I always think our winning recipe is that fact that we keep it simple. We give people good service and something affordable.”