Watch amazing transformation of derelict pavilion in popular Northampton park into brand new cafe

Beckets Pavilion cafe, in Becket’s Park, next to the tennis courts, opened to the public on Tuesday (May 14) following major refurbishment work in the past six weeks.

The cafe’s owner, businessman Iain Hill said: “I’ve been trying to get the pavilion for years and years and then eventually we sorted it out. We’ve been working on the deal for the last year. We signed the lease six weeks ago and now we’re open.

"It’s been brilliant so far. The first day was great. The sun’s been out. We’re serving all sorts of people. Everyone’s really happy I’m there.”

Iain, who was born and grew up in Northampton, said he felt ‘for years’ the derelict site, which has been empty since 2017, had potential.

The 44-year-old said: “I kept seeing the building rotting away. There were talks of knocking it down. I’ve been sending emails for years trying to get hold of it. I just thought it had loads of potential. The park’s got loads of potential. And there was nothing there.

"The building was in a terrible state but after relentless renovations it's now something I'm really proud of, and I'm very excited to see what the future holds. I just want to make the cafe and the park better, something worthwhile.”

The experienced caterer, who has previously run a number of cafés, bistros and pubs both in Northampton and abroad, called on residents to get down to the park.

Iain said: “Come and visit us. Give us a go. Becket’s Park is looking great. You’ve got the marina, the play area and a cool cafe with outdoor seating to come and relax.”

The café opens from 8am to 5pm every day, serving a range of goods from Italian ice cream and hot Belgian waffles to paninis, toasties and loaded chips, breakfast, pastries, cakes and more.

Service is from a kiosk, with outdoor seating and covered seating on the building's two porticos.

Buddies of Beckets (BOB) volunteer group had been pressing the council for years to bring the site, built in the 1920s, back into use.

Nick Stephens, Co-chair of Buddies of Becket’s previously said: “We’re very pleased that the future of the Pavilion in the park has finally been resolved.“Our consultation many years ago showed that returning the pavilion to a café was high on the agenda for park users.“We know the new café owner is community orientated and we wish them all the best, I’m sure it will be successful venture.”