A BELOVED Carlisle restaurant is set to re-open its doors to customers later this year following its closure two years ago - with the new team saying they hope to bring back the venue's same classic charm with 'new enhancements'.

Adriano’s, a Roman villa-style restaurant at Rickergate, opposite the Civic Centre, closed back in September 2022 after 17 years in the city, falling victim to the energy crisis and staff shortages within the Cumbrian hospitality industry.

The restaurant was owned and run by popular Carlisle restaurateur Franco Bertoletti, the man credited with opening the city’s first licensed Italian restaurant in the 1970s.

Now, two years on, a group of former Adriano's employees have decided to reopen the popular venue hoping to bring back the 'unique dining experience' that the well-loved venue provided diners in the city.

As well as bringing back the charm that the restaurant embodied, the team hope to bring some new enhancements they say will 'elevate the overall experience' for customers at the popular venue.

A spokesman for Adriano's said: "We are all passionate about bringing back the unique dining experience that our customers loved, while also introducing some new enhancements to elevate the overall experience.

"Our goal is to continue offering the warm, welcoming atmosphere and high-quality service that made Adriano's a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

"While we will maintain the restaurant's classic charm, we are planning several updates to our menu and interior to provide an even better dining experience."

The restaurant is aiming to re-open in the city centre in November of this year, with a warm reception set to be waiting for the venue.

In 2022, the reaction online to the closure of Adriano’s was swift, with more than 300 people posting comments expressing their regret.