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Exclusive first look inside Imperio, the new upmarket European food store on Norwich Road

In an exclusive preview ahead of today's official opening, Ipswich.co.uk was given the first look inside Imperio Food Store, an upmarket European food market promising to bring authentic European cuisine and fine wines to Norwich Road.

The big picture: The new store is on a mission to "provide customers with high-quality, authentic European food products that elevate their dining experience."

It will be officially opened by Ipswich Mayor Elango Elavalakan at 3pm today, before welcoming its first customers tomorrow, Saturday, 23 November, but we were allowed inside for an early preview.

Behind the scenes: During our quick preview, staff were busy with final preparations, their excitement evident as they put the finishing touches to displays ahead of today's official opening.

There is a large selection of wines on offer at Imperio in Ipswich
There is a large selection of wines with an emphasis on Portuguese reds(Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk)

A focus on wines: There is a large selection of European wines with an emphasis on Portuguese reds.

A dedicated chorizo stand at Imperio Ipswich
A dedicated chorizo stand forms one part of a large deli offering with a broad selection of cured meats(Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk)

Plenty for meat lovers: A dedicated chorizo stand forms one part of an extensive deli offering with a wide selection of cured meats on offer. Artisan deli and baked products can be found alongside daily essentials such as cooking oils, jarred and canned goods and fresh produce.

Inside Imperio in Ipswich
There's a wide selection of artisan products, including an extensive deli and baked goods counter, as well as daily essentials like cooking oils and fresh produce(Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk)

The bottom line: The store opens to the public on Saturday, 23 November. Customer parking is available at rear, opposite the road to the main Coes car park. We wish the management the best of luck.

You can read it for free thanks to the generous support of Ipswich School and RSZ Accountancy

Despite a lack of promotion, the big reveal drew a good crowd of passersby

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