A BRAND new cafe will open in Valentines Park this Saturday - but potential customers fear it may struggle for business during the cold winter months.

The Gardeners Cottage Cafe will be based in the grounds of Valentines Mansion, where it will sell a range of hot and cold food - from salads to paninis.

Mum-of-two, Meena Singh, of Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead, said she was looking forward to enjoying tea and cake at the new venue - but questioned its chances of survival.

She said: "When I come to Ilford to see my mum I always take the kids over the park.

"It can be a bit tiring, so it's good there's going to be somewhere for people to sit and have a cup of tea after a walk with the kids.

"Loads of mums take there kids here, but there's nowhere nice and warm to sit with other mums at the moment.

"It will be interesting to see how the cafe gets on in the winter when there's not so many people about.

"I hope it does, because when it's freezing you need a cup of tea more than ever."

These views were echoed by her sister, mum-of-one Nina Chahal.

She said: "It's a lovely idea because there hasn't been a cafe in the park for as long as I can remember. I just hope it lasts in the current economic climate."

The cafe will open every day between 10am and 6pm. The Mansion is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and 5pm and on Sundays between 11am and 4pm.

The council has yet to comment.