HYLANDS House is set to increase the seating area at its Huttons Courtyard Cafe – because it has proved so popular.

The new extension, called the Patio, is to the left of the courtyard and is fully equipped with garden furniture, umbrellas and surrounded by yew bushes.

The Patio will be dog friendly with bowls of water provided and a lead post for owners to tie their dogs to – there is also a buzzer for lone dog walkers to get direct access to Huttons.

With the introduction of the Patio, the courtyard will become a dog-free zone. The new area opened last week.

The Stable Visitor Courtyard was restored in 2007 and has become a central point for visitors to Hylands Park.

The Courtyard also hosts popular farmers markets on the first Sunday of the month.