A new Italian restaurant will open in the North East in November after its owners have built another venue into a popular name since opening in March this year.

Novellos, based at New Road, Washington, has quickly become a 'must go-to' spot in the regional food scene. 

Given the success of the first site, Novellos is now planning to take over the former San Lorenzo restaurant at Gosforth High Street, as part of its expansion plans, and hope that it can also become a success.

Around £100,000 is being spent on giving the restaurant a refurbishment, with plans to open in November with a new name and a new look.

While an exact date hasn't been set for the Italian, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the venue - with a buzz online about the new Novellos venue.

Novellos was launched as a joint venture chef Dean Lathbury and restaurant manager, Dorian Koti, who had previously been involved in a number of ventures, including setting up their own restaurant in Durham.

The two men reunited last year to open Novellos, which has proved hugely popular with diners from around the immediate area and beyond.

The Northern Echo: Novellos in WashingtonNovellos in Washington (Image: NOVELLOS)

The combination of Italian pizza and pasta favourites with some unique twists as well as more substantial main courses has proved a winning combination and one the team now intends to replicate in Gosforth.

The building it plans on moving into in Gosforth has stood empty since San Lorenzo shut its doors in April, with the previous owners’ company going into liquidation in August.

Restaurant manager Mr Koti said: “We are delighted to be extending the Novellos brand into this fantastic site in Gosforth.

“We know it’s a busy location and we are sure the restaurant will be as popular in Newcastle as it is in Washington.”