A NEW dinosaur themed café has opened its doors at a first of its kind mini golf attraction in Basildon.

Dinosaur fans have been flocking to Destination Golf: Jurassica, in Eastgate shopping centre since it opened in December.

Now owner Luke Tyler has opened a themed cafe in the middle of the course.

It will serve up coffees, teas, milkshakes, slush puppies, cakes and other snacks all to the backdrop of rainforest and dinosaur sounds.

The “Jurassicafe” will boast dinosaur themed decoration and a vast array of themed drinks.

Mr Tyler said: “Destination Golf has seen great success so far, our dinosaur-adoring audience have left our venue feeling happy and the feedback so far has been positive.

“Feedback from customers so far has suggested we have built something the community wants and is great fun for all ages.

“Our new 'Jurassicafe' serves coffees, teas, milkshakes, slush puppies, cakes and other snacks and is situated in the middle of the golf-course.

“It features both rainforest and dinosaur audio, it should be atmospheric and different.

“All of our coffee has been local sourced too, we are serving fresh shakes as well.”

Mr Tyler has also teamed up with Reptylers animal handling, to let visitors get hands on with 14-foot pythons and other exotic animals during the February half term.

He added: “To expand our success and to reach out to those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience our unique offering, we are teaming up in half-term with RepTylers.

“RepTylers offer a unique exotic animal handling experience with animals ranging from The Hulk, the world’s largest species of toad to Monty the 14 foot Burmese Python.

“For those who prefer cuddly animals, Gizmo and P-Bear, our incredible skunks, will also be available to meet.

“Destination Golf will be open for the usual nine-hole crazy golf course which is dinosaur themed and features a unique twist.”

Mr Tyler added that spaces for the animal-handling are limited and are to be held in the Destination Golf Party Room, costing £8.85 per person for 25 minutes with the range of reptiles and exotic animals.

Destination Golf: Jurassica is based on the third floor of Eastgate, with the new café open every day except Monday and Tuesday.