A MIDDLEWICH restaurant is set to undergo a complete overhaul.

Il Padrino on Wheelock Street has temporarily closed for a refurbishment.

Owners Alberto and Claire Halluni are hoping this can revitalise the hospitality industry in the town, having recently experienced their worst week to date.

“The hospitality industry at the minute is tough,” said Alberto.

“The increase in costs overall has had a huge impact.

“The problem is restaurants and bars can't put too much inflation on their prices for food and drink otherwise we risk losing more business and with that, we also have to have empathy for everyone.”

He added: “I really do hope the refurbishment puts more bums on seats.

“We have never struggled and we will always push through as we want to give people a great experience from food, service and ambience and we have invested so much money into Middlewich.

“We love the support from our customers and we truly hope they love the new look.”

Alberto and Claire took over Il Padrino around four years ago.

Since then there have been some minor changes but this refurbishment will look to give the restaurant an entirely new look and feel.

Among the new features being added is a bar area, which they hope will encourage people to come in for drinks and nibbles.

Having listened to customers’ feedback, Il Padrino will also be introducing an online booking system, with a new website in the works.

The Italian restaurant closed on Sunday (April 28) and work is expected to take around six weeks.