A decision is due today on the future of a much-loved tea hut in Epping Forest.

City of London Corporation announced earlier this year that the hut in Fairmead Road, High Beach, would be put out to tender.

Current manager Bradley Melton’s family has run the tea hut for 84 years and it has become a popular meeting place for bikers.

The corporation said there was a need to increase revenue from the site amid a budget cut of 12.5 per cent.

A petition in support of Mr Melton was signed by 8,000 people.

The City of London Epping Forest And Commons Committee meeting will take place today, when a final decision should be made over the tendering process.

The current lease runs out in December.