Visitors waiting for a show at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth could enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of cake in a circus-themed cafe - if a planning application gets the green light.

The Jay family, who own and run the venue on St George's Road, are proposing to convert a storeroom in a building adjacent to the main theatre into a coffee shop.

The cafe would serve visitors to the Hippodrome and parents of pupils attending the circus dance school - but also be open to passing trade.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Peter Jay is delighted the Christmas spectacular at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth can go ahead when the town moves into Tier 2 restrictions on December 2.Peter Jay is delighted the Christmas spectacular at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth can go ahead when the town moves into Tier 2 restrictions on December 2. (Image: Nick Warner)

Owner Peter Jay said: "For years the building has been storing scenery. We thought let's have a go now and open it as a cafe where people can meet before and after a show.

"What we're finding with the pandemic is that people tend to come earlier, so it would give them somewhere to sit down before we open up," he added.

The venue would be designed with a circus theme, and serve drinks, cakes, sandwiches and alcoholic beverages.

A decision is due by March 18.