A 300-YEAR-OLD former donkey shed, which has been transformed into a modern café, was officially opened at the weekend.

Taunton Deane Mayor Steve Brooks and MP Jeremy Browne were among the guests at the opening of the Pondside café at Monkton Elm Garden Centre on Saturday.

Norma Moore, general manager, said: “The main Pondside Café building is a charming, 300-year-old former donkey shed, which has been completely renovated to house the kitchen and serving area and some seating.”

A new conservatory attached to the building seats 34 people with room for another 40 on the new decking area around the pond.