Even more customers will be able to enjoy a “much-loved” park café as it has reopened following a £118,000 extension.

An extra 46 seats have been added to the Woodlands Café in Leavesden Country Park to meet customer demand, as well as two large table areas and a long desk with individual workspaces.

One YMCA, which leases the space from Three Rivers District Council, knocked through the walls to the former Leavesden Cycle Hub next door to expand the eatery and add extra space for serving drinks.

.TRDC leader Stephen Giles-Medhurst (left) with One YMCA CEO Guy Foxell (right) and cafe staff. (Image: Three Rivers District Country) The works, which were completed ahead of the bank holiday weekend, were estimated to cost £118,000 but the district council stepped in to fund a £60,000 shortfall using money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Leavesden Cycle Hub closed in summer 2023 when it merged with the Watford Cycle Hub at King George V Playing Fields, which it said would allow it to offer training and advice in a more cost-effective manner.

Extra space at the eatery will also be available in non-peak times for private hire, community events, and One YMCA initiatives such as training for young people.

TRDC leader councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said: “I am very pleased that the council was able to help this valuable community facility with its ambition to expand.

The Woodlands Cafe in Leavesden Country Park.The Woodlands Cafe in Leavesden Country Park. (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

“Not only will residents have more of a chance to grab a seat to relax and have a nice refreshment or snack when they visit Leavesden Country Park, but it will also help One YMCA to provide much-needed training to young adults in need.”

One YMCA CEO Guy Foxell added: “We’re delighted that the partnership with Three Rivers District Council has led to an extension of the café, which will provide more jobs and work experience for our charity’s service users as well as more space for park users to enjoy great-tasting food and drink in this lovely country park.”Celebrating the reopening of the Woodlands Cafe.Celebrating the reopening of the Woodlands Cafe. (Image: Three Rivers District Council) The Woodlands Café reopened under the YMCA banner in 2021 and is a not-for-profit enterprise supporting other areas of the charity’s work, such as providing an events space and training opportunities for those staying at its hostels.