A RECENTLY opened business is expanding in the new year with plans to open Romsey's first-ever escape room.

Helen and James Mitchell, from East Wellow, launched their shop Fig and Fox back in October and are now preparing to open the attic above as an immersive theatrical escape room.

Business owner James, 33, worked as a scenic designer for theatre productions until 2021 and has gathered his design friends to help bring a unique experience to Romsey.

Located at 42 The Hundred, Escape The Attic will be running from March 1 to June 30 with the hope of extending the experience if it's popular.

The development is underway with building works expected to take eight weeks to complete. Each puzzle and challenge will be individually designed and created especially for the attic by James and his theatre friends. The game will be run by current Fig and Fox staff alongside a couple of new part-time staff.

James said: "We hope to have an enthusiastic response from locals, we are offering something completely different for Romsey and feel confident any visitors will love the experience.

"We have been thinking of ideas for the attic space for the past few months, it's a lovely space accessed by a steep staircase at the rear of the shop. The apex ceilings and old floorboards give it heaps of character which is a good starting place for any design. I'm keen to tap into my creativity and produce something unexpected for the attic."

The co-owners will have the option to change the escape room later in the year or break up the programming with alternative challenges to keep the business fresh.

The difficulty level will also be adjustable to make the activity suitable for a variety of ages. The business couple hope Escape The Attic will attract stag and hen parties, community groups and work socials.

Shop owner Helen said: "The escape room will be open during the day and early evening allowing people to book a slot at a time to suit them. We love living in Romsey but felt there was a gap for entertainment in the town and Escape The Attic will fill that gap."

Each game will last 60 minutes and is suitable for participants aged over 14. Tickets are available to book for £16.50 per person and the attic can accommodate up to six players.

To book ask in store at Fig and Fox, 42 The Hundred, Romsey, or go to theatticromsey.co.uk/.

James and Helen hope to advertise further details with photos and videos in the new year.