Avenham Park’s new Riverside Café has opened its doors to the public this week.

The café, located on the banks of the River Ribble at the park’s new state-of-the-art pavilion, is open between 10am and 5pm seven days a week.

Visitors can choose from a range of freshly cooked foods such as sandwiches, paninis, cakes and a variety of Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance approved products – all produced using locally sauced ingredients.

For this weekend only the café will also feature a reconstruction of the council’s award winning Wallace and Gromit floral display, which scooped a gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Flower Show at Tatton Park last year.

The cafe is the final piece of phase one of the multi-million regeneration of Avenham and Miller Parks to be completed. Other improvements included the building of the new pavilion, improved drainage, and restoration of historic features such as the Swiss Chalet and Belvedere.

A special event to mark the official opening of the parks will take place later this year.

Mayor of Preston Councillor John Swindells, who will be visiting the café this weekend, said: “The new café is a superb addition to the park.

“It means people will be able to stop off and sample superb locally produced fresh food, and a range of Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance approved products.

“The award winning display which featured in last year’s RHS flower show is also on display for the next week or so, it’s well worth a visit.”

Matt Kelly, head of parks and horticulture, said: "It's fantastic to get the final part of this phase of the parks' restoration in place, and we're very pleased with the quality of food and service on offer in the cafe.

“This weekend there will also be an opportunity to see the Wallace and Gromit display and enjoy live music – it will be a superb day out for all the family.”

Father Timothy Lipscomb, Chair of the Friends of Avenham and Miller Parks, said: “The new café is the jewel in the crown of the parks.

"Since it been opened, it’s been used business meetings and social events and there has been a superb reaction from everyone who’s visited.

”People I have spoken to in the last few days have said how wonderful the café is and how relaxing they find it to have a relaxing drink while taking in superb views across the park.”