The new café at the Jack Silley Pavilion will officially open on Good Friday (April 19).

The café extension at the Stonards Hill recreation ground in Epping will have a new kitchen and internal facilities fully refurbished that will improve hiring space.

'Julie’s at Stonards' will serve a special Easter deal on its opening day, offering hot cross buns and a hot drink for £3 until 11am.

Breakfasts, snacks and ice creams also be available for guests over the weekend, including an Easter-themed afternoon tea and egg hunt from Sunday at 2pm.

Julie Turrell, who will be running the café, is looking forward to serving visitors to the recreation ground.

Ms Turrell said: "When the chance arose to open a café in the park that I grew up in, I jumped at it.

"I’m so excited to be able to add to the character and community facilities of our town and my home for the past 20 years.

"I look forward to bringing people together and providing a community space for all users of the park."

The Stonards Hill Recreation Ground building is used by football teams, dog walkers, exercisers, visitors to the playground and scouts.

Proposals to refresh the often-vandalised Jack Silley Pavilion were submitted to the district council in 2017.

Epping Town Council was awarded £7,000 from the National Lottery earlier this year to fund the café’s expansion.

'Julie's At Stonards' will be open 9am-5pm daily except until 4.30pm on Wednesdays and closed on Thursdays.

For more information email julieatstonards@gmail.com or 'Julie's At Stonards' is on Facebook.