New operator announced for Grove Park Café

North Somerset Council has announced Busy Lizzies as the new operator for the café in Weston-super-Mare's historic Grove Park. 

Following a competitive process, the brand-new local business has been awarded a 15-year full repairing and maintenance lease, marking an exciting new chapter for this much-loved community space. 

The opportunity to operate the café was launched in March of this year (2026), inviting ambitious food and beverage businesses to bring forward proposals for the long-term future of the facility.

Applicants were asked to demonstrate a commitment to high-quality food and drink, strong environmental and social values, and support for local suppliers and communities. 

Grove Park is one of Weston-super-Mare’s most popular green spaces, and the café sits at its heart. The park has recently benefitted from major improvements as part of the council’s Improving Weston programme, funded through £20million of UK Government investment.

Enhancements include a redesigned entrance, improved facilities, new accessible toilets and upgraded landscaping to encourage more people to enjoy the park and support local businesses. 

Busy Lizzies will now bring the café back into use, creating a welcoming destination for residents, visitors and park users all year round. 

Cllr Mark Canniford, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places at North Somerset Council,said:

“Grove Park is a hugely valued part of our community, and we’re really pleased to welcome Busy Lizzies as the new café operator. They stood out in the decision-making process for their vision, values and commitment to creating a vibrant café offer that will complement the park and serve the community all year round. 

“With the recent improvements in Grove Park and the café now set to reopen, this is an exciting step forward in bringing even more life and activity into the park.” 

Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, Ward Member for Weston-super-Mare Hillside, said:

“It is delightful to see this step forward for Grove Park and for our local community. Having a quality café offering snacks and refreshments will make it even easier for people to enjoy everything the park has to offer throughout the year, whether they’re meeting friends, spending time with family or simply making the most of this beautiful space.” 

Lizzie, founder of Busy Lizzies, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected as the new operator of Grove Park Café. As a local resident, business owner, and someone who has spent many years supporting hospitality businesses across North Somerset, I’m passionate about creating a welcoming space that brings people together and gives new life to this much-loved part of Grove Park. 

“Busy Lizzies will be a family-friendly community café serving great coffee, quality food, homemade treats and a warm welcome for everyone - whether you’re meeting friends, walking the dog, cycling through the park or simply enjoying the surroundings. 

“My vision is to create a vibrant, year-round community hub where local residents, visitors, families and community groups can meet, connect and enjoy everything Grove Park has to offer. Alongside great food and drink, I hope to introduce community events and activities that bring people together throughout the seasons. 

“I’m incredibly excited to bring my experience and passion to Busy Lizzies and create something special for the local community. While there’s still plenty of work to do before opening, I look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors and beginning this exciting new chapter for Busy Lizzies at Grove Park.” 

Busy Lizzies will take on a full repairing and maintenance lease for the site, ensuring the café is maintained to a high standard while contributing to the long-term success of the park. 

North Somerset Council have c issued a

Work is continuing to finalise the new public toilet facilities in Grove Park In partnership with Weston Town Council, who have been important partners in the project, North Somerset Council are currently completing the final elements required to enable the facilities to open. 

There will be a short period to put the remaining practical arrangements in place, and the aim is for the toilets to be operational as soon as possible thereafter.