ANIMAL lovers have the chance to meet new friends this weekend in an exciting event.

Shoulder of Mutton is based in Colchester and operates as both an antiques centre and a tea room/café.

This Saturday and Sunday (August 12 and August 13), they will be welcoming a herd of baby goats in a special one-of-a-kind pop up event.

It will be taking place in Shoulder of Mutton’s beer garden situated along the River Colne.

From 11am to 2pm, visitors will be able to meet the group of baby goats for bottle feeding, cuddles and petting.

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Although the event itself is free, ice cream and cold drinks will be available for sale.

There will also be free car parking available next to the Essex Way footpath.

Meanwhile, the antiques centre, tea room and café will remain open as usual during the event.

This will include a kid menu as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Amy Neill, manager of the Shoulder of Mutton, said: "Our baby pygmy goats were born in July and were just so cute that we decided to share them with the general public.

"We wanted to keep the event free so that everyone could enjoy.

“We love throwing events like this to bring the community together, it's always a lot of fun.”