A ONCE popular Southend cafe is set to reopen after it was granted a licence by Southend Council.

The empty Alexandra bowling green cafe in the centre of the town has been boarded up for years.

But it could soon be back open after the licensing sub committee agreed a licensing application made by the San Fairie Ann restaurant.

It currently leases the site from Southend Council and plans to open it as a cafe and restaurant into the evening.

There was one objection raised by a member of the public to the application, but the proposal was agreed with conditions.

The cafe includes former Southend East Tory MP Sir Teddy Taylor as a patron and supporter.

He said: “If San Faerie Ann is intending to run it as a cafe and restaurant and not some sort of glorified pub, it would be fantastic news.

“I shall certainly be going there myself. It is a lovely building.”

One member of the Alexandra Bowling Club, who did not wish to be named, said: “Opening the cafe and restaurant with a licence could be a great boost to the club for next season. We cannot wait to see it fully open.”