The foyer of a Brentwood theatre has been refurbished to include a new café.
Brentwood Theatre, in Shenfield Road, has seen its lobby turned into a café space, which opened two weeks ago.
The newly decorated area also features a courtyard garden equipped with awnings and patio heaters for when the sun isn’t shining.
Theatre manager, Ian Southgate, said the aim of introducing the café was to “create more of a community hub space at the theatre, where people can come, be sociable, book tickets and see what’s going on in the theatre and around the town as well”.
The 37-year-old said the idea of renovating the foyer came about during the pandemic, as they wanted the theatre to “come out stronger”.
He said: “We saw that there was a greater pull towards community and people wanting to support local business during the pandemic.
“So, we decided the time was right to try and embrace that and create somewhere where the community could come and have a nice cup of tea or coffee and see what’s going on.”
Ian said refurbishment works began in August and September last year, but due to the winter season of shows, it wasn’t the right time to launch the café.
Since opening on June 6, the space has been welcomed by people who have popped in to enjoy the courtyard seating area and the range of cakes on offer, said Ian.
The menu features products sourced as locally as possible, he added.
Ian said he has received feedback from customers who have commented on “how lovely the space is”.
At the start of the summer holidays the theatre is putting on a production of The Jungle Book and it will also hold its first-ever summer panto called Cinderella's Summer Ball – in partnership with Brentwood-based Sophisticated Entertainment.
The café is currently open on weekdays from 10am until 4pm.
In the future Ian aims to extend the opening hours of the café to weekends.
He is also looking at introducing activities such as musical performances and play or book readings to generate interest in the café.
What's on at Brentwood Theatre can be found at https://brentwood-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here