'It was time': Diane's Diner at Funland closes to make way for new healthier coffee shop
A new coffee shop has replaced an American diner at an amusement park
An 80-year-old amusement park has welcomed change after launching its brand new coffee shop which will focus on promoting healthier choices.
Funland, on Hayling Island, has celebrated its latest food and drink venue - Coaster Coffee - which officially opened last month after the team gave the original site a much-needed makeover.
The fresh-faced cafe has replaced Diane’s Diner, which was part of the catering offering at the site for more than seven years.
Kamie Cogger, who works at the amusement park, said: “We have opened up a new coffee shop called Coaster Coffee, which is a healthier version of what we had before. We were an American diner but we are trying to reach out to more audiences, especially children, to encourage healthier eating.
“I think it was time. It was time to change, the diner was looking old and we thought if we are going to do, lets do it properly, lets change it and go completely different - and give it a go.
“We have completely changed it - come and try it out. We are now dog friendly and have pup cups so bring them down and have a coffee and a slice of cake.”
As part of the rebrand, the space has undergone a revamp which has gone down a treat with customers, especially families with children.
Samantha Richards has worked at the amusement park for the past eight years. She said: “I love the people I work with and the people I work for - and I enjoy making coffee on a daily basis.
“We’ve got a lot of families coming in with the little ones and they are really enjoying our kids packs. It’s a lot healthier than what we were doing beforehand.”
The launch of the coffee shop also coincides with Funland’s 80th anniversary which is being celebrated through a programme of events including a firework display earlier this year.
The park has over 18 rides including jungle splash, surfs up and cyclone, as well an amusement arcade, a large kids’ play area and a pirate-themed golf course.