COSTA hopes to attract coffee lovers when it opens its doors on the former site of Cafe Rouge.

The UK's leading coffee chain is set to open its doors in Church Square, High Wycombe, on June 14, after Cafe Rouge closed down because of slumping profits.

Anat Braverman, spokesman for Costa, said their commitment to traditional classic Italian recipes should prove a success in the town.

She said: "We are passionate about making coffee and as the largest coffee chain in the UK, have plenty of experience.

"We are a family brand that maintains a warm, cosy feel and a host of interesting coffee mixes like our most recent ice coffee should prove a hit."

Nicola MacKinnon, spokesman for Cafe Rouge, said that falling profits was behind the closure of the restaurant on April 29.

She added: "A strategic review of all Whitbread restaurants last October revealed it was not performing as well as we had anticipated, most notably in the past year. It was felt that there was little chance of it picking up. It was closed down along with another 40 around the country."

The newly refurbished Costa cafe will serve up a selection of Italian pastries and sandwiches and 'fair trade' teas and coffees will also be available.