A NEW doughnut-themed dessert shop has opened in Weymouth.

Loadedz, in Great George Street, was officially opened last Friday, by owner Charlotte Barnes - bringing a new lease of life to Weymouth's town centre, following the departure of big brand names including Monsoon, Dorothy Perkins, and Debenhams.

The dessert shop is at premises previously occupied by Williams bakers.

Dorset Echo: The shop on the corner of Great George Street on March 18. Picture: Sam McKeownThe shop on the corner of Great George Street on March 18. Picture: Sam McKeown

Miss Barnes, along with her two sisters Danni and Michelle, has opened the shop just in time for spring - serving a variety of 'wild and crazy' desserts including ice creams, waffles, milkshakes, and colourful, fresh doughnuts.

Charlotte, 28, from Weymouth, said: "I just feel that this is something completely different."

Dorset Echo: A variety of doughnutsA variety of doughnuts

Miss Barnes gave her views on opening post-pandemic.

She said: "I think even if we opened during the pandemic we could have offered deliveries, which is something we'll be doing in the near future.

"I think the town is more heading towards a 'foodie town' anyway, so even though big chains have disappeared, I think towns are becoming more independent since the pandemic and more local businesses are beginning to thrive."

Dorset Echo:

Miss Barnes said the shop also caters to vegans and the doughnut flavours change once a month.

She said: "There’s no set menu, it just literally goes wild and crazy.

"We'll have Easter doughnuts in April, Halloween doughnuts in October, and Christmas ones too.

"We'll be changing our menu across all our desserts too depending on the time of year. For Easter, we'll provide Creme Egg specials and for Halloween, customers can grab brain-looking sweets, and choices at Christmas will be of a warm, cinnamon taste."

Currently, Loadedz will be open Wednesday to Friday from 3pm until 9pm, and opens on Saturday and Sundays from noon until 9pm.

Dorset Echo: The shop during a special pre-opening event on March 17. Picture: Sam McKeownThe shop during a special pre-opening event on March 17. Picture: Sam McKeown

Miss Barnes said when the summer hits, she hopes to open the dessert shop seven days a week - and will be looking for a minimum of three extra staff.

She said: "We expect to be very busy throughout the summer period - so we would want to take on three extra staff from June onwards.

"Going forward I have plans to bring in a breakfast menu too."

The quirky interior designs were created by local artist Chris Newman of Signs O' The Times, Weymouth.Dorset Echo: Chris Newman of Signs O' The Times, WeymouthChris Newman of Signs O' The Times, Weymouth