Couples typically experience a lot of exciting firsts in their few months of marriage - but opening a shop together is not usually one of them!

Kit, 35, and Rhiannon Agnew, 33, were married in June last year, and they launched the Litcham Deli in November. 

Although they had already been together for six years, Mrs Agnew said going into business together had proven a "good test of one's relationship".

She said: "It's been a roller coaster. I think it's probably brought us closer together - we're a good team."

The deli is in a former butchers' unit in Church Street in the mid Norfolk village.Dereham Times: Rhiannon and Kit Agnew at the Litcham Deli, with local produce for sale on shelves made by former welder KitRhiannon and Kit Agnew at the Litcham Deli, with local produce for sale on shelves made by former welder Kit (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Agnew is a Norfolk-born artist and welder, and Mrs Agnew describes herself as "a local foodie champion and customer service fanatic".

She previously worked for businesses such as Norfolk Cottages, and used to drive past the former butchers every day, which gave her the idea for the new shop.

Mrs Agnew said: “This wasn’t something that was ever on our plan, however it was an opportunity not to be missed.”  

Dereham Times: Coffee and chocolate muffin at the Litcham Deli.Coffee and chocolate muffin at the Litcham Deli. (Image: Denise Bradley)

“We felt that in this Dereham, Fakenham, Swaffham triangle, there was a gap in the market for something like us and we felt we could fill that space for people.

"Kit went to school in Litcham and sang in the church choir, and we’re sandwiched in between the pair, so we feel we know the area well.”

The deli stocks Norfolk and Suffolk produce from suppliers such as Fen Farm Dairy, Pump Street Chocolate, Sandringham Apple Juice, Bray’s Cottage Pork Pies, as well as local to Litcham, Welly Boot Bakery and Cardarelli’s Cakery.

Dereham Times: Litcham Deli Litcham Deli (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Agnew’s own creativity can be seen within the deli, as he still owns a metalwork business and made the furniture by hand.

Mrs Agnew said: “We’re still learning every day what people like and what people want to see from us, still continuing to try different products.

“The support has been incredible - now we'll work on products and make sure we have new and exciting things as well as unique offerings that you don’t see anywhere else."

Dereham Times: Litcham Deli, on Church Street, in the village Litcham Deli, on Church Street, in the village (Image: Denise Bradley)

Dereham Times: Rhiannon and Kit Agnew at the Litcham Deli.Rhiannon and Kit Agnew at the Litcham Deli. (Image: Denise Bradley)