An Amsterdam cafe chain is expected to open a new store in Oxford soon.

Earlier this year, signs were placed in the window of an empty shop on High Street in the city centre which advertises that a café named Camelia is coming soon.

The shop is a former Oxford University premises, and now a planning application has been submitted to change the shop front.

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The planning application to the city council for 106 High Street says there will be alterations to the existing shopfront including replacement of the entrance door.

There will also be internal alterations to flooring and wall finishes, relocation of toilets and removal of existing bookshelves and furniture.

Camelia cafés are based in the Netherlands, but are available to franchise across the world according to the website.

(Image: Ed Burnett) It says: “Camelia launched in 2021 as a chain of cafes aimed at delivering Lezza Food’s selection of dozens of products to customers worldwide first-hand,” read the website.

“The Camelia, who will operate as hybrids by interpreting a common model with a unique approach, have many products on the menu, from artisan cakes to hot selections.”

The website details how the brand can be franchised by suggesting three different concept ideas for locations around the world with malls, cafés and markets.

“The concept includes a fully equipped kitchen, wraps, bakery products, sweet and cake types," adds the website.

According to documents in the planning application Camelia will be a patisserie shop - a rival for the Saint Clair Valentine Patisserie at Number 90.

Camelia will be a patisserie (a rival for the Saint Clair Valentine Patisserie at No.90).

Paul, the patisserie in High Street close to Carfax, closed its branch earlier this year but now says it is planning to reopen.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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