After 86 years of little change, the cherished tea hut in High Beach is preparing to “enter the 21st century”.

Last Sunday (June 19), the much-loved Epping Forest attraction moved out of its recognisable green container as it prepares to move into a larger hut.

The change, to upgrade facilities and improve services, follows some of the most difficult times in the hut’s history.

In 2014, the City of London Corporation told Bradley Melton – whose family has run the café since 1930 – that management of the hut would be put out to tender.

However, after a popular public campaign backed by the Guardian and 8,000 petition signatories, Mr Melton successfully kept the café in 2015.

It is hoped the business, a favourite with bikers, horse riders, cyclists and walkers, will move into the larger new shipping container hut at the same site in early July.

Paul Morris, a tea hut regular and supporter, said the upgrade is “bringing everything into the 21st century while keeping the old style”.

He added: “I think to be honest, it has been a long time coming.

“It is just shutting for a couple of weeks, I don’t think it is the end of an era.

“It hasn’t changed hands, which is what we were trying to save… it’s the same guy, it is still the same family and it is his improvement to the business, not anyone else’s.”