The Garden Restaurant at Gates near Oakham re-opens its outdoor dining area for table service from today.

Benefitting from idyllic rural views overlooking the lakes, the covered balcony is the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee, enjoy a hearty breakfast, share a tasty lunch with family or treat your friends to afternoon tea. Whatever the occasion, it's now time to catch up with all those we've missed so much during lockdown.

Serving a special al fresco menu, including all your favourite dishes, there's something for everyone and a good selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options too. Choose from our delicious home-cooked breakfasts with locally sourced fresh produce or try a stack of American-style pancakes if you fancy something sweeter.

For lunch there are tasty jacket potatoes with generous fillings and a wide choice of hot family favourites, including our famous crispy beer battered cod and home-cooked chips. If you prefer something a little lighter, there are toasted paninis, sandwiches, ploughman's, platters and salads.

If you're feeling indulgent then why not enjoy a classic Gates Afternoon Tea, with freshly prepared buttery scones made in our own kitchen and served with plenty of jam and clotted cream. There's also a selection of savoury nibbles and finger sandwiches with mouth-watering fillings to enjoy and deliciously sweet treats and homemade cakes to finish.

Our huge homemade cakes, delicious gateaux and traybakes all remain on the menu and can be enjoyed with a steaming cup of freshly ground coffee, speciality teas, hot chocolate, milkshakes and a wide range of fresh fruit juices and cold drinks. Or why not indulge in a chilled glass of white wine or an ice cold beer.

Customer and staff safety is, as always, the top priority at Gates and there are extensive Covid-19 safety measures in place to protect everyone, including disposable menus, a one-way system, extra space around

Situated within Gates Garden Centre at Cold Overton, halfway between the pretty market towns of Melton Mowbray and Oakham, the Garden Restaurant is open every day between 9am and 4pm and serves afternoon tea daily from 12noon. There's no need to book – just come along and we will make every effort to seat you as soon as possible.

For those in a hurry, the Courtyard Coffee Shop at Gates is also open every day, serving a takeaway menu only between 9am and 4.30pm. There are breakfast baps, paninis, hot soup, hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks.

For more information and to see a full menu please visit www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

• Businesses, please tell us about your re-openings. Email details along with a photo or two to [email protected].

And don't forget to join our FREE 'Local List' business listings. Just click on the black 'Nub it' button and add your details to reach an audience of thousands.