THE Italian restaurant based at The Red House in Chester has confirmed it will be reopening - despite uncertainty over its future.

It was early in March when we announced that plans had been submitted to demolish The Red House at Dee Banks and replace the site with apartments.

The proposed development would see the 1850s building, which boasts wonderful views of the River Dee, knocked down to make way for seven properties, plus underground parking and landscaped grounds.

Local reaction to the proposals has been a mixture of shock and negativity, with dozens of objections submitted by residents on the council's website.

It has also led to campaigners launching a plan to preserve the future of The Red House.

Dee Banks resident Kate Cousens has been rallying support of local residents to ask Cheshire West and Chester Council for The Red House to be registered as an asset of community value. 

Despite everything, Italian restaurant Et Alia, currently closed at The Red House due to Covid restrictions, has announced on social media it will be business as usual when lockdown eases, and has confirmed it will be reopening its doors on May 17.

In a statement posted on the restaurant's Instagram page, it said: "Amid all this speculation regarding the Red House we at Et Alia have a commercial lease to operate the business as an Italian restaurant and to all our valued customers we would like to clarify our re-opening  date.

"It's been a long time coming and we cant wait!

"We will open on Monday 17th May 2021 for service at 12pm at last. No changing your mind Boris! We are ready to go.

"We are accepting bookings through our website from this date initially a maximum of six per table as per government instructions. We are not allowed to book tables close to each other.

"Our new spring/summer menus will be available and they will guarantee you a tasty, fun and safe return to normality.

"We welcome you back with open arms – socially distanced of course!"