PICCOLINO in Stockton Heath is set to temporarily close and be renamed in July, the restaurant's owners have said.

The eatery, which is a popular spot on Stockton Heath's high street, will undergo an ambitious rebranding next month.

According to the developers, the rebrand will allow the restaurant's owners to 'enhance the dining experience for [their] valued guests.'

A planning application was verified in May by the council that wished Piccolino's owners to be granted permission to knock through into a vacant site next door to the restaurant in order to expand the eatery.

As per the application, the restaurant hopes that the expansion will allow it to cater for 40 additional covers.

Now, the restaurant's owners - Individual Restaurants - have explained the next step in their masterplan for the property.

According to them, the restaurant will be temporarily closing its doors in July in order to undergo the expansion and renovation works, before reopening to a wider clientele.

Plans suggest that the restaurant will remain closed until August.

The owners also state that the restaurant will return with a new name: Piccolino Grand.

It has been revealed that the restaurant will be undergoing a menu revamp in October, too.

Andrew Garton, CEO of Individual Restaurants, said: "We are thrilled to embark on this expansion and renovation project, which will allow us to enhance the dining experience for our valued guests.

"By incorporating the neighbouring unit, we will be able to welcome more guests and provide an even more glamorous ambiance, further complementing our exquisite Italian cuisine."

The planning application relating to this development explains that the vacant unit at 85 London Road - the former premises of A La Turka - will be knocked through to expand Piccolino's site.