It has been a customer favourite for many years, providing shoppers with the chance to chat and unwind after some much-needed retail therapy in Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: Mayor Stephen Ardley opens Palmers Resturant and Coffee Shop- Top DeckMayor Stephen Ardley opens Palmers Resturant and Coffee Shop- Top Deck (Image: Archant)

And now, the restaurant and coffee shop in Palmers department store has undergone a refurbishment and also has a new name - thanks to a competition run in partnership with The Journal.

Top Deck was the winning entry, picked by David Davis of Pakefield because of the nautical feel and stunning sea view at the top of the store.

Mr Davis claimed his choice of name was because the store 'resembles an ocean liner from the outside'.

The coffee shop, which has undergone an extensive refurbishment, along with introducing a new

Lowestoft Journal: Pictures: Joe RandlesomePictures: Joe Randlesome (Image: Archant)

menu and ships wheel logo, was officially opened by mayor Stephen Ardley last

Friday, September 18.

'It is a great pleasure to be invited back after 11 years to celebrate some more investment,' Mr Ardley said.

'Palmers is a well-established department store in the town and it is really pleasing to see them investing even more in their store.'

David Howard, managing director of Palmers, said the blue and cream colour system - along with the fact that the store is now 'more open planned' - has made for 'fantastic customer feedback'.

'We now have a soft seating area which we have never had before and we have taken a lot of divides down,' he said.

'Now I think it is lovely and in this family store, where the staff are so friendly, it really is like going to your best friend's for coffee.'

A small champagne and canapé reception was held to mark the opening, which was also attended by the Lowestoft Vision business improvement district team and invited guests.

Darren Newman, Lowestoft Vision manager, added: 'This is fantastic for the town and it is brilliant to see Palmers continuing to invest. I think the refurbishment is really fresh and modern.'

Do you have a business success story? Email joe.randlesome@arcahant.co.uk