A CHESTER city centre Italian restaurant is to reopen its doors, under new ownership.

Bella Italia was once part of the same restaurant group which also owned Café Rouge and Las Iguanas, and during the coronavirus crisis, both Café Rouge and Las Iguanas closed their doors for good in Chester as previous owners Casual Dining Group called in administrators.

But, under new owners The Big Table, Bella Italia will be reopening its doors on Eastgate Street on Saturday, August 29.

The move comes just in time for the restaurant to take part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which will have its last day on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.

The restaurant will also be continuing to support key workers, by offering Bluelight and DDS cardholders 25 per cent off their total bill seven days a week.

The Big Table successfully acquired the Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas brands in early August. The move, which was backed by Epiris, preserved more than 4,000 jobs across the UK and the group's remaining 150 restaurants.

Jocelyn Mostert, marketing director at Bella Italia, said: “Bella Italia has been bringing its joy and generosity to towns and cities across the UK for over 30 years.

"We’re delighted to be reopening our doors once again in Chester and welcoming back our guests - whether dining out with the family, or looking for a night out with friends.

“Whilst we promise the Bella Italia experience will be that which our guests know and love, we are very excited to be launching some fantastic new dishes and flavours. We are also taking extensive precautions and have introduced new measures in line with government guidelines to ensure that we keep our amazing team and guests safe.”

For terms and conditions on Bella Italia's Eat Out to Help Out, visit https://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/eat-out-to-help-out