A garden centre has expanded its crop with the addition of a tea room.

Woodlands cafe, at Tom’s Farm Shop and Garden Centre, in Maldon Road, Tiptree, was officially opened by Maldon District Council chairman Robert Long yesterday.

Mayor and Mayoress of Maldon, Cllr. Stephen Savage and Valerie Eve also attended the event which gave guests a chance to sample the new menu.

Chef Dave Mackrodt, created dishes using as much local produce as possible. The menu includes all-day breakfasts and pasta and curry specials.

“Tea rooms are popular these days and we have been quite busy since we started trading three weeks ago,” he said.