A NEW refurbishment has turned a 25 year old cafe into a luxurious space for the community.

The Pavilion Cafe, on London Road in Leigh, has been transformed to include a lounge, sitting booths, a window bar, and disabled friendly toilets.

In addition to this, the refurbishment will include placing new kitchen facilities, such as a £4,000 new ventilation system, along with USB ports for customers to charge their devices and a web connection service.

An artist wall will also be placed, where there are three spaces available for local artists to rent out and showcase their work.

Despite still serving food and drinks, this modern touch will also involve changing the businesses name, simply to The Pavilion.

By day, The Pavilion will be used as a place residents can interact, socialise and enjoy some well deserved grub, with breakfast services running from 7am until 3pm.

By night, The Pavilion will become a venue for entertainment, a place for parties and somewhere to come for enjoyment.

After being around for 25 years, the cafe has had quite a shake up, taking over a month to transform.

Owner, Malcolm Thornton and manager, Jo Maddison were pleased to see the build finished in time for the launch, on February 13.

Jo, 39, said: "This has been a very expensive but much needed development.

"The whole feel has changed in the cafe and I'm hoping the community will enjoy it.

"Nowadays it's quite difficult to find that space to socialise, so groups will be able to come down to The Pavilion and chat or take part in the events we plan to host here.

"I have worked in cafes and bars all my life and I could really see the potential in the place.

"Myself and Malcolm chatted about it in about June last year, one thing led to another and now it has become so much more.

"It's a real good local place which is affordable, so everyone can come and interact and meet new people.

"Seeing it all finished means the world to me, to us all. It's been a tough journey but it's been fantastic to be a part of.

"I am proud to be associated with the Pavilion brand, we will even be able to offer a Pavilion tea.”

Malcolm said: "There was one issue which I was determined to resolve and that involved the smell of a greasy spoon café which is left on your clothes when leaving the café.

"So the first piece of equipment which was installed was a robust ventilation system which will ensure not only the cooks in the kitchen but The Pavilion customers have an enjoyable fresh experience."

The front of The Pavilion has also been re-done, with brand new paving so customers can sit outside. There will also be heaters outside to accompany guests sitting out there on a cold night.

Southend Mayor Derek Jarvis and Mayoress Valerie Jarvis officially re-opened The Pavilion, by cutting the ribbon at the launch.

Guests at the launch also enjoyed a live musical performance from Brendan O'Hare, local artist and musician.

The Pavilion re-opened for business on February 14.