A GLASS-SIDED pavilion cafe at a Widnes Park has re-opened after a £110,000 Italian makeover.

Visitors to Victoria Park can now choose fresh food cooked on the premises, real gelato and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

Esposito's, which won the franchise following its successful café in Runcorn Hill Park and ice cream kiosk in Widnes is now enjoying brisk trade.

Widnes born Danny Esposito re-designed the café with the help of an Italian designer, which includes a mural featuring his family cooking back in Italy.

Danny said: "Victoria Park is a popular and much loved facility and I am delighted to be able to have this café within it.

“Widnes is my home town and I have always wanted to bring a facility like this here."

The chairs were specially imported from Italy.

Highlights include astisan toasted deli sandwiches, wraps, homemade cakes and tray baked.

Most are made in the shop's new large commercial kitchen.

Customers can eat in or take away the food.

The café has secured a deal with Square Mile Coffee London to supply its renowned speciality coffee.

Staff travelled to the capital to learn how to use the specialist equipment and meet the specification standards.

It is fully air conditioned and has wi-fi.

Halton Cllr Ron Hignett, board member for the physical environment said: "Victoria Park is one of the jewels in Halton's crown. We have already had great comments about the café."