A SHOPPING centre's new secret garden has been a hit with residents on the first day it has opened.

The new facility, near River Island in Lion Walk Shopping Centre, opened for the first time on Monday as non-essential retailers also welcomed back customers.

Food, drink and entertainment will be on offer in the secret garden, as well as a comfy place to rest whilst doing a spot of shopping.

It will be open from 12noon until late every day of the week.

Here is a video tour of the new secret garden sent to us by Lion Walk:

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Non-essential retailers were able to reopen for the first time in three months today. 

Shoppers flocked back to Colchester town centre, with huge queues outside stores such as Primark.

And with hospitality venues also able to welcome customers again outside, Lion Walk has added food and drink to its offering in the new secret garden.

There is a fully stocked bar as well as plenty of seating where shoppers can enjoy a break.