London-based chain Santa Nata is to open a Portuguese custard tart bakery in Cornmarket in Oxford.

Staff at the new unit will make traditional pastel de nata pastries, with coffee served alongside.

It's a boost for Cornmarket, which has suffered a number of big chains leaving in recent years for the Westgate Centre.

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The company has a branch in Covent Garden.

Oxford Mail:

It's website says: "Our ethos is simple – we only serve authentic and traditional Pastel de Nata throughout the day, every day, handmade by our artisan pastry chefs using the finest quality ingredients. 

"Secondly Santa Nata is named after the home of the original Pastel de Nata from the parish of Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon, Portugal.

Oxford Mail:

"We want to celebrate the tradition of Portuguese baking, bringing Pastel de Nata to life by showcasing the theatre of the chefs at work. 

"Finally no matter what time you stop in, there will always be a fresh batch to eat in or take away - just listen for the bell."

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The arrival is good news for the sweet-toothed, and follows the recent opening of Crosstown Oxford doughnut shop in Ship Street.

Oxford Mail:

If that's not enough, you could always try Ben's Cookies in the Covered Market or Wicked Chocolate and iScream gelateria. 

Contractors said the Santa Nata branch in Cornmarket could be ready to open in two or three weeks' time.

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF