A new tenant has been chosen to take on a popular cafe situated in one of the city's biggest parks.

More than 140 people and organisations applied to run Eaton Park Cafe after it closed in October last year.

It had been a popular spot with families and runners, but it had to shut after the lease held by the previous tenants expired.

Now, new life will be breathed into the Grade II listed building by the same company that owns The Bicycle Shop cafe on St Benedicts Street.

And the new premises is expected to open just in time for Easter.

Rob Howe, owner of The Bicycle Shop, said: 'I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to run Eaton Park Café. I, and everyone who works at The Bicycle Shop are excited to start work within such an amazing space.

'I look forward to teaming up with Friends of Eaton Park and collaborating with the clubs and societies operating in the park.'

Cafe Britannia, which is a social enterprise staffed by low risk prisoners at Norwich Prison, was one of the 145 applicants that applied to run the cafe.

But following a tender process by Norwich City Council, Friends of Eaton Park and NPS Norwich, Cellar Boy Ltd was chosen as the new tenant.

Keith Driver, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: 'Eaton Park is hugely popular so it was important to find someone to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

'The team from The Bicycle Shop has the passion and local knowledge to build on the park's existing community and to establish the café as a thriving and vibrant venue for everyone to enjoy.'

Temporary catering facilities were provided in the park by the mobile cafe company Crumpet and Trumpet while the tender process took place.

Helen Mitchell, from Friends of Eaton Park said: 'We're really looking forward to the café re-opening and think it will have been well worth the wait.'

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