Visitors to Snibston Colliery Park in Coalville will soon be sampling the benefits of a new partnership between the County Council and the park's Colliery Café's new tenants.

Grounds Café has chosen Snibston as its fifth Midlands site and it is expected to open for business in the next few days.

In taking over the operations of the café, the council believes Grounds at Colliery Café can bring a fresh perspective and exciting collaboration opportunities to the environmentally-friendly council-owned venue, which attracts cycling groups and families from across the area.

After more than two years of trading, the café has become a firm favourite as a popular stop for refreshments.

Opening in December 2020, it was built as part of Snibston Colliery Park's £3million regeneration project which aims to reconnect the heritage of the site with the local community.

The county council said in July it was seeking tenants to run the cafe operation.

Now, Grounds at Colliery Café will offer a variety of drinks and snacks for visitors to enjoy, and they hope to bring new ideas to the venue as well as the potential to hire bikes and takeaway options.

County council leader Nick Rushton said: "Our vision for Snibston Colliery Park has always been to involve the local community in the development of this important multi-use site - respecting the historic heart of Coalville, while securing long-term benefits for the area."

Council operations came to an end last Sunday (29 January) in preparation for Grounds at Colliery Café to be ready for trading this weekend.

Grounds Café director Kevin McIntyre said: "We're delighted to be opening our second site here in Leicestershire alongside Hicks Lodge near Ashby.

"Our family-run independent business based in country parks and forests aims to bring the high-street café experience into natural landscapes enjoyed by families and cyclists alike.

"This is big opportunity for us and, from knowing the history of the site, and its more recent developments, it felt like a great fit.

"We love what Snibston has to offer, and we're looking forward to working closely with the county council and local community groups to ensure the area continues to thrive."

The café is located alongside the Century Theatre and opposite a popular outdoor play area and mountain bike track. The Grange nature reserve and Snibston heritage trail are also key features of the Green Flag award-winning site. 

Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, Councillor Richard Blunt, said: "We are pleased that a business already established in the area is committed to investing further by taking on this new opportunity.

"With Grounds running the cafes at Hicks Lodge and Snibston Colliery Park, this creates great opportunities for both sites and strengthens the connection between the two cycling centres in the district.

"The café at Hicks Lodge is a great success and is well supported by locals and visitors – we are delighted that this quality will be brought to Coalville."

For more information on opening times and details visit HERE or HERE.