CHESTER'S recently closed Tomahawk Steakhouse is set to reopen next month as the company's sister brand, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse.

The Standard previously reported that the Tomahawk Steakhouse on Newgate Street had closed its door after just six months in the city centre, before revealing that the popularity of the brand's RIO locations had convinced the owners to convert the site into its award-winning counterpart.

Each RIO restaurant location has hit top spot on Trip Advisor within the first four weeks of opening.

The Brazilian Churrasco experience has been a huge hit all across the North, earning five star ‘excellent’ ratings at all locations and Jesmond and Middlesbrough both receiving TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards in recent years.

The new restaurant will have its grand opening on Friday, June 16 following a VIP opening party.

Director Rodrigo Grassi said: "We are really looking forward to opening RIO here in Chester. During the renovations we have had a lot of passers by saying they are excited for us to open as they love the concept of the fixed price with unlimited salad bar and meats. We are extremely proud of our awards and five star feedback from both our established and new venues and are confident we will be a big hit in Chester also.

"All of our meats are specially butchered on site by our fantastic team of gaucho chefs which means they could not be more fresh, so every cut of meat you get is delicious and cooked just as you like it. The concept is different to what people are used to in the restaurant world where you order one thing off a menu - RIO doesn’t have a specific menu where you choose one thing, the customer can try any of the meats we have on at that time of day and request a specific cut if they would like it to keep coming, so it gives an exciting dining experience. We also have amazing sharing desserts and an extensive cocktail menu to sample at the bar. It’s perfect for date nights, groups of friends, families - everyone at RIO always has the best time.

Not only is RIO great for meat lovers but also they also provide a large selection of vegetarian options on a specially created salad bar that is constantly refreshed throughout the day.

There is also a an unlimited salad bar and exquisite selection of freshly cooked meats constantly carved at your table, with a green and red traffic light system to keep the meats coming.

The restaurant will have space for 120 diners, and will employ around 30 staff.

For further information about RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, visit: www.rio-steakhouse.co.uk.