The Eaton Park Café in Norwich has reopened for takeaways and seating has been swapped for shelves of locally-sourced produce.

Norwich Evening News: The Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James RandleThe Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James Randle (Image: Archant)

Rob Howe, who also owns The Bicycle Shop in St Benedicts Street, took over the café four years ago and since then it has been at the heart of the community, serving up coffees, breakfasts and lunches to park users.

Due to coronavirus lockdown both places temporarily shut in March, but Mr Howe has used the time to re-evaluate the space in the Eaton Park Café along with manager David Potter.

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Norwich Evening News: The Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James RandleThe Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James Randle (Image: Archant)

The indoor seating has now been removed and the space has been transformed into a general store, which opened to the public on Monday.

The items on sale, sourced from Norfolk suppliers where possible, include bread from Linzers Bakery, meat from Swannington Farm To Fork and fruit and vegetables from Easters.

They are also offering takeaways of hot and cold drinks, cakes and pastries, breakfast and lunch baps and homemade savouries such as quiches and scotch eggs.

Norwich Evening News: The Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James RandleThe Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James Randle (Image: Archant)

Mr Potter, 34, said: “It has been strange not working in the traditional sense but it has given us the opportunity to take stock.

“It has been really nice to look at the space with fresh eyes and we have always wanted to expand and make more things in the kitchen people can take home.

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Norwich Evening News: The Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James RandleThe Eaton Park Cafe has reopened for takeaways following the latest goverment guidance Picture: James Randle (Image: Archant)

“We reopened as since the lockdown has been eased people can meet up in parks and we felt we fit into that narrative.”

They are planning to expand the general store side over the coming weeks and hope to keep it as an element of the café once people are allowed to sit-in again.

To follow social distancing guidelines, staff are wearing face masks, there will be a host on the door and a one-way system with customers exiting through the back garden.

Mr Potter added: “It feels like a new business again and we are privileged that our building means we can reopen responsibly.”

The Eaton Park Café is open 9am to 4pm daily.