New Alexandra Gardens Café opens

Local entrepreneur Maria Tsangas has celebrated the grand opening of Gardens Lake Café.

Ms Tsangas was the successful applicant of the Alexandra Gardens and Ararat Outdoor Olympic Pool Kiosk following the tender process earlier this year and has since been working closely with staff at the Ararat Rural City Council in preparation of the opening of the business.

Ms Tsangas has lived in Ararat for nine years and currently owns and operates a local coffee van, which she plans to continue to run with the support of five staff members she will employ at Gardens Lake Café.

She said this business would mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

“I decided to apply for the opening of the Café because I owned a Café Bar Restaurant 16 years ago in Melbourne and thoroughly enjoyed it and have been waiting for the right moment to do it all again,” Ms Tsangas said.

“Alexandra Gardens is a beautiful spot and now with the upgraded pool and Gardens Lake Café, the precinct will be used more and I believe will become a local meeting point.

“Parents will be able to have a coffee, drink or a meal whilst watching their children in the pool area or playground in the gardens, which is fantastic.”

The opening of Ms Tsangas' cafe is another milestone for the Alexandra Gardens Precinct, which has undergone a series of upgrades in recent years including the installation of exercise stations, a walking path, the Ararat Outdoor Pool upgrade and adjacent Alexandra Oval Community Centre. The gardens have always been a popular area for both locals and tourists to the region, with a number of events attracting visitors throughout the year, and this is expected to grow with the added infrastructure.

Anyone looking to book the Alexandra Gardens Precinct for an event or function can do so by contacting Ararat Rural City Council on 5355 0200.

Ms Tsangas said the Café would open from 6am until late seven days per week and will have tables and chairs in the gardens under the beautiful trees overlooking the lake, playground and pool.

All varieties of coffee will be available including hot chocolates, a range of teas, iced chocolates, iced coffees, milkshakes, soft drink and fresh juices. Meals, cakes and slices will also be available throughout the seven days of operation.

“I plan to have live music on the weekends too,” Ms Tsangas said.

“Come on down to Alexandra Gardens and say hi.”