POOLE Park's latest waterside restaurant should be welcoming its first customers today.

Husband and wife team Richard and Sarah de Lisle, who took on Seven's Boat Shed in October, have ploughed £400,000 into relaunching the venue as The Kitchen.

There was a 'soft opening' of the restaurant, and the couple's ice cream parlour - Scoops - to fine tune any issues earlier this week, but today is the official opening.

Mrs de Lisle said: "We are thrilled to unveil The Kitchen and Scoops Ice Cream Parlour.

"Poole Park is a magical place with its idyllic setting, family appeal and outstanding natural beauty - and now home to Poole's latest exciting new eatery.

"The Kitchen is about simple, honest, fresh food. We pride ourselves on using the finest ingredients, locally-sourced where possible from family-run artisan producers."

This is the second major investment in the park by the de Lisle's, who have already invested £1.8 million into transforming the former Gus Gorillas attraction into award-winning play centre and family cafe The Ark.

Mrs de Lisle said: "Our all-day menu and daily specials are inspired by the changing British seasons, all offering excellent value for money.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stunning new venue to enjoy delicious food at great prices, in a truly breathtaking location."

The refurbishment has been carried out by contractors Greendale Construction, and the expanded premises include lots of indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The two-storey glass-fronted building, which first opened in 2007 as Mezza Luna, was formerly owned by property developer Eddie Mitchell.

The Kitchen and Scoops will be open daily from 10am-6pm.