The owner of a park café who retired today says she will miss her customers “hugely”- but not the hard work.

After the Town Park Café in Enfield Town was put up for bids by Enfield Council, current owner Julie Derrick decided to pass on the responsibility after seven years at the helm.

It will be taken over by Ozgur Celebi, who is planning an extensive rebuilding job including a new kitchen, more inside seating and a soft play area.

Ms Derrick, 55, of Bury Street West, Enfield, said: “I am happy to be going, I did not want to go through with the huge redevelopments needed, it has all been amicable.

“Ozgur has lovely plans for the building, which will benefit everyone, especially mothers who walk here with young children who can use the soft play.

“It needs revamping and money spending on it, I am happy to be going into retirement.

“It is very hard work running a café, I will not miss that, but I will miss the people hugely. The support, loyalty and kindness has been incredible, it has been a pleasure.

“I never knew anyone before I started here, now I know absolutely everybody.”

The plans are set to take one and three months to build, subject to being granted planning permission by the council.

When it is being refurbished the café building will shut, but will keep trading from a van outside, meaning the thousands of park visitors over the summer months will still have the option to buy food and drink.

Ms Derrick’s sister-in-law, Jackie, works part time at the café and will continue her job under the new owner to provide a familiar face.

She said: “It is sad, an end of an era, but you have to embrace change, and it is time to move on.

“It is a big venture, but long overdue, the park needs a café fit for purpose.”

The new owner, Mr Celebi, comes to the Town Park with experience as he runs cafes at Trent Park and Whitewebbs Golf Club.

He said: “The café is old, and there is not enough room to sit inside, it needs new seating, kitchen, toilet, everything.

“I am excited, I want to do a good service for the lovely people of this community, and they deserve a bigger and better place.”

He said he plans to open the café from 8am to 8pm seven days a week during the summer.