A TRENDY Leigh restaurant which boasts sweeping views of the idyllic Thames Estuary has opened its doors following an "extensive" renovation.

The Grove Restaurant at Belton Corner, on Leigh’s Marine Parade, has undergone seven weeks of refurbishment. Its owner hopes to welcome customers all-year-round.

Tim Scott, 57, bought the restaurant 18 months ago, and has set about upgrading it since then.

While it is a hotspot for summer lunches and sunset dinners, Mr Scott wants to boost winter trade by offering “an indoor environment for people to enjoy when the sun’s not out”.

Echo: Mood lighting - colour-changing lights have been installed in the conservatory's ceiling, to set the mood for dinners and parties.Mood lighting - colour-changing lights have been installed in the conservatory's ceiling, to set the mood for dinners and parties. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

He added: “Feedback has been great so far.

“We’ve also had a lot of comments on social media. Most people have said the new colour scheme is quite vibrant. They’ve wished us all the best.

“We’ve got Leigh station at the bottom of the hill, so we plan to offer breakfast and coffee early in the morning to catch commuters.

“Diners can enjoy a bottle of wine at lunch, and a cocktail before dinner."

Echo: Bold - striking new artwork has been installed, including on the walls.Bold - striking new artwork has been installed, including on the walls. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

The restaurant’s transformation is more than just a lick of bold blue paint. The whole restaurant has been kitted out with fresh décor and eye-catching artwork.

In the conservatory, colour-changing lights have been added to the ceiling, as the venue is planned to host parties and events.

Velvet bench-style seats are paired with white marble tables and retro print walls, to offer “a luxury, plush interior that has a retro feel”.

Echo: Rebrand - the Grove has a new logo and colour scheme.Rebrand - the Grove has a new logo and colour scheme. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Mr Scott said: “We can hold parties for up to 120 people. We hosted a wedding last year, which went really well.

“The deck is great in the summer, as it offers a brilliant view. We’ve also got heat lamps for colder times of year.”

Alongside vast views across the Thames Estuary, the deck offers overlooks the picturesque waterfront pubs in Old Leigh.

Echo: Picturesque - the view from the deck.Picturesque - the view from the deck. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

The Grove’s “refreshed” menus offer new dishes such as burrata, keema spiced poached eggs and cauliflower wings. However, the restaurant has kept “old favourites”, including its “famous” fish tacos and chop salad.

The Grove is open from 9am to 10.30pm on Monday to Saturday. It is open from 9am until 6pm on Sundays.