After seven years of serving customers in Kingston's Canbury Gardens, café owner Filippo Selini is moving on.

Canbury Secret began as a regeneration project around a derelict toilet building, and has proved a hit with locals.

In a recent Facebook post, Mr Selini announced that it's "time to pass the torch".

"Thanks to an amazing inclusive community, lovely customers and a supportive RBK Council."

Canbury Secret has been restored from a derelict toilet building to a busy café (Photo: Oliver Monk)

George Vasili, the owner of nearby coffee van Argonaut, spoke highly of his family-run competitor.

"I had a very friendly relationship with them. It was never competitive," said Mr Vasili, before adding: "I'm sad to see them go [...] we used to help each other out".

Mr Selini will still remain true to his culinary roots despite the closure, stating that he will be focusing on a new venture: Delizia Gelato, where he will be selling Canbury Secret's beloved gelato to other hospitality businesses.

The café will continue to serve the garden's visitors under new ownership (Photo: Oliver Monk)

He also hopes that moving on will let him spend more time with his family.

Canbury Secret will continue serving customers under the ownership of Sarah, Holly and Stuart who Mr Selini says "will continue to treat the local community and the thousands of visitors with the same passion and care".