A LANDMARK cafe has reopened after months of loving restoration.

The Alexandra Bowling Green Cafe, in Clifftown, Southend, opened its doors as La Petite Petanque, a cafe, bar and bistro.

It is being run by Sonia Edwards, boss of the nearby San Fairie Ann restaurant in Alexandra Street.

It will be open every day from 8am to 7pm, offering coffees, cakes, breakfasts and lunches.

It served its first customers on Friday, and Mrs Edwards said: “It went very well. We were quite busy. If we sell as many lunches every day as we did today, I’ll be very happy.”

The 85-year-old cafe shut about six years ago and fell into disrepair until Mrs Edwards took over last year.