A BARNARD Castle businessman has announced plans to take over a popular eatery in the heart of the town in the new year.
Kamal Alley, who owns Il Palazzo, in Galgate, has bought Vivo Pizzeria, in Newgate.
Under his plans, both will be rebranded.
Paradiso 1 bar restaurant will be based at his Galgate premises, while Paradiso 2 Pizzeria will occupy the site in Newgate.
Mr Alley said: “I always wanted to have Il Palazzo as a bar but never had the courage to do it.
“Now that I have another restaurant I can transfer everything from Il Palazzo down there. It is something I have wanted to do for about two years.”
In October, Mr Alley withdrew a planning application to create a new Italian restaurant in the town.
He had hoped to convert the former clothing shop, Boho Boo, in Market Place, into a second restaurant but decided to abandon the plans due to a raft of objections.
He said: “I always wanted to be more central in the town. When I wasn’t able to get Boho Boo I was disappointed and then I decided to go for this.”
Paradiso 1 will be home to a bar serving a selection of drinks including gins and cocktails.
It will be closed on a Monday and a Tuesday. On other days it will open at noon for lunch until 11pm apart from a Friday and Saturday when drinks will be served until 1am. Continental, a la carte and bar meals will be served.
Paradiso 2 will be open for lunch and evening meals seven days a week.
Speaking about taking over Vivo Pizzeria, Mr Alley said: “All of the Italian food from Il Palazzo will be served at Paradiso 2.
“We are going to change the ventilation and enhance the bar area.
“I am also going to move the washing up area from where it is now to be next to the kitchen.
“I want people to be aware that I am not changing the prices. The special offers at lunch time and between 5pm and 6pm will stay.”
Jobs will be created as a result of Mr Alley’s new ventures.
He is planning to recruit six new members of staff to work at Paradiso 1 and another ten people to work at Paradiso 2. Roles will include bar and waiting staff.
Mr Alley added: “I am looking forward to it. There will be no other place like Paradiso 1 in the town.
“Barnard Castle is a lovely town. The people here are lovely too. People are very friendly and I have created lots of new friendships.
“I am just hoping for the best really.
“I have a lot of existing customers and I am hoping to attract a lot of new customers too.”
He added: “I am hopeful it will please the people of Barnard Castle and they will be happy with the changes we are making.
“This will be my happiness – providing a nice bar for them plus a nice pizzeria.”
Anyone interested in applying for a job should contact Mr Alley on 01833 638870.
