The new restaurant at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is on schedule to open in April with the internal fit-out well underway. Above is an artist's impression of the restaurant's interior.

The new build, which has a footprint of nearly 1,000sqm and a brand new kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment, will seat 350 people, offering Taunton diners greater choice.

Mike Lind, Managing Director at the award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, explained: “It’s brilliant news that we’re bang on schedule as we are really looking forward to the space being filled with families and visitors of all ages feasting on freshly prepared meals cooked on-site by our team of catering specialists.

“We’ve got the roof, walls, concrete floor and glass in so we’re now looking forward to a soft launch in April and a grand opening in June.

“As well as the main restaurant, which will serve meals throughout the day, the facility will be home to a coffee house that will offer wonderful coffee and freshly brewed tea, including speciality teas that will complement an expanded range of delicious cakes and biscuits from our new bakery.”

There will also be a function room available for events and to be booked out for business meetings, private parties, anniversaries and even wakes.

For more information visit www.monktonelmgardencentre.co.uk