A CAFÉ and restaurant has decorated its courtyard with striking artwork as it prepares to welcome back customers.
The Green Yard - formerly known as the Green Yard Café in Bridport's Barrack Street - has revealed the new look of its courtyard, with its walls decorated by a number of pieces courtesy of two local artists.
South west artists Stu 'Art' Payne and Gillian Payne, of Payne Art, produced the artwork at the venue, the prize piece being an image of woman looking over local landmark Colmers Hill.
A separate piece depicts the Bristol Balloon Fiesta - the owner of the café, Mike Reid, is originally from Bristol.
Mr Reid said that the idea for the artistic imagery came about when he was thinking about what he could add to the venue during the latest lockdown period.
He said: "We've been closed for such a long time and we’ve been sat back wondering what to do. I decided to call up two local artists, both friends of mine, and ask them if they could do some work for me.
"We incorporated Colmers Hill into the works because it is one of our favourite parts of the area and the hot air balloons as the balloon festival is one of the things I miss the most about Bristol.
"The response we've had already has been fantastic. I’ve had plenty of people knocking on the door and calling asking if they can pop in and look at the artwork but unfortunately I’ve had to tell them they have to wait until we reopen."
Traditionally operating as a café, once it reopens on Tuesday, May 18 the Green Yard will be operating as a restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights, serving up Caribbean food.
Mr Reid said: “I think Bridport needs something different to burgers, chips and pizzas. Bridport is such a foodie place but there doesn’t seem to be much diversity in regards to that.
“We wanted to bring something different to Bridport – we've employed an experienced local chef called Dean Williams who will come in for the two nights a week.
“Everything is in place now, we're just waiting for the date to open up.”
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