The opening of Tong Garden Centre's new restaurant brings the head count at its Tong Lane site to over 200 local people.

24 new jobs were created in the table service Mezzanine Restaurant that opened earlier this week.

The Mezzanine is situated on the first floor of the award winning garden centre's 2500sq.m two storey expansion and is in addition to the existing Restaurant. It offers relaxed dining with an open aspect, brunch and lunch menus using seasonal and local produce and an extensive choice of patisserie, cakes and signature bakes, all made in the centre's instore bakery.

The jobs range from front of house staff to chefs and kitchen porters and assistants.

"Created by chef Jamie and his team, The Mezzanine's menu of contemporary dishes is freshly prepared using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients where possible and brought to your table by our friendly team," said Catharine Westmoreland, Catering Manager.

"We're very excited to bring a delicious brunch menu as well as some inspirational dishes for lunchtime but we're especially pleased to launch an impressive and irresistible selection of patisserie all made on site by our Food Hall bakers."

The Mezzanine is open between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 3.30pm on Sundays and caters for all dietary requirements. Lunchtime bookings are recommended.