Café Hogmoor and the Beehive Education Room at Hogmoor Inclosure in Whitehill & Bordon will open to the public for the first time on Saturday, July 18.

Delayed first by the discovery of a Second World War bomb last September and then by Covid-19, it’s been an eventful start for the town’s new cafe.

But the Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust announced the long wait was over this week.

Between 10am and 2pm this Saturday, visitors to the café, which is situated in the heart of leafy Hogmoor Inclosure, will be able to enjoy light refreshments from a takeaway menu, including a selection of barista-made coffees, teas and soft drinks, as well as cakes, pastries and sandwiches.

Café workers will wear the appropriate PPE, while floor markings will be laid down to ensure there is a safe route in and out of the café.

When government guidelines allow, the café and education room will completely open inside, enabling people to sit in and enjoy a larger food and drinks menu.

The café will open initially five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday. This Saturday and Sunday, the opening times are 10am to 2pm. But going forward the opening hours will be Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, and weekends 9am to 4pm.

Café Hogmoor and the Beehive Education Room are run by the Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust, with volunteers and paid employees. Built on the Swedish Fika concept of making time for friends and colleagues to share a drink and something to eat, it will also provide employment, skills development and apprenticeship opportunities.

The facilities are situated close to the children’s play area and on-site WC and changing places facilities, and just a short walk from the free Hogmoor Inclosure car park.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the 54 hectares of woodland and heathland, walking and cycling routes, the varied nature and fauna, regular park runs, events and much more, and stop off at the café for delicious refreshments.

“We are delighted to be opening Café Hogmoor and the Beehive Education Room,” said Julie Butler, Chair, Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust.

“These are great additions to Hogmoor Inclosure, and I am sure many residents from the local community and those travelling from outside the town to visit Hogmoor Inclosure, will enjoy them for many years to come.

“We hope to have an official opening event when government guidelines allow.”

You can find out more information about Hogmoor Café and the Beehive Education Room at www.wbcommunitytrust.co.uk