BOSSES at a garden centre are celebrating after their long-held “vision has finally become a reality” as they open a restaurant on the site.

The Meadow Croft Garden Centre, in Battlesbridge, is opening its Meadow Croft Kitchen with a grand event on September 4.

Part of the new restaurant will have an undercover terrace where visitors can sit in the fresh air and enjoy their food surrounded by the wonderful scents from the main plant area.

A VIP night for their loyal customers and a staff only celebration event is also in place to celebrate the new restaurant’s arrival.

Director, Lisa Smith said: "We are so excited after many years of planning to finally have our brand-new Meadow Croft Kitchen open for business.

“Our vision is finally a reality, and it looks amazing. We have a fantastic team and a lovely new menu, all waiting to greet our customers. Thank you to all who have helped make this project happen and to all our customers who have waited patiently for our new restaurant. We look forward to serving you soon.”

The restaurant’s look will take inspiration from the main garden centre with lots of light and greenery throughout. The furniture is also made in the UK from ethically sourced wood.

The menu will also be launched on the opening day. Some Meadow Croft Kitchen favourites such as “Fish and Chips” and “Pie of the Day” are staying on the menu.

There will also be new delicious delights created by head chef, Lauren Dark, and her team.

The kitchen will get brand new facilities such as a whole bakery section to add their cakes and savoury snacks as well as serving afternoon tea.

The restaurant wants to create a “more relaxed eating experience” with the new addition of a “cosy coffee and cake lounge”.

It will have two outdoor seating areas and a new 50 seat capacity function room which will be available for private hire for meetings, conferences, baby showers, wakes and more.

Meadow Croft Garden Centre is located in Woodham Road, Battlesbridge.