In order of importance in Cromer, there's the church, the pier, and then comes Breakers café.

That's how the new people in charge of the popular restaurant and coffee shop in Garden Street see it.

Martin and Nikki Rodwell took over from Emma Scott Rowlands, who left the business after nearly 25 years, last month.

Mr Rodwell said: "It's been a lifetime's ambition of mine to own a café. I have also got emotional ties with Breakers, as I came here with my grandfather, Fred Neil."

Mr Rodwell will be the mainstay working at the café, and said: "I'm cooking and doing it, lock, stock and barrel.

"We've inherited a very talented staff team.

"This is part of Cromer's fabric. There's the church, the pier and then Breakers. It has been voted the best breakfast in Cromer several years running.

"There's a huge responsibility taking it on, and an expectation, with people's fear of change. My attitude is to not change what is working.

"We have changed some of the suppliers to make it more local. That might have some cost implications, but they will be mine, not the customers."

Indeed, the couple plan to reduce some prices.

Mr Rodwell added: "From next week our regular coffee will cost £1, down from £1.30.

"Over the winter months we will run daily and weekly specials. Some dishes will be cheaper than you could cook them for at home.

"And from next week we will be offering 10pc off everything for emergency services people. We will also be opening earlier for breakfast."

Mr Rodwell is also a theatre director with Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CSODS), and the director of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Cromer pier, which opens on May 25.

He added: "After that, I will be taking an 18-month sabbatical from directing and treading the boards. Breakers needs 110pc of my time."

Mrs Rodwell is an executive manager for Lord Sugar's skincare brand, Tropic, and the café will become a hub for that.

Mr Rodwell added: "At 52, some people are winding down, but we are both winding up."