THE owners of an Italian restaurant destroyed by a fire revealed they will open a new deli in Droitwich.

Benvenuti will be expanding after it was revealed the restaurant will open a new deli next to its restaurant on Queens Street, which opened earlier this year.

The deli will be moving into the former Greek takeaway Taverna.

On the front of the building, it reads: Pizzeria. Caffe. Pasticceria. Deli.

There are also signs advertising that the business is opening soon.

This will be the third venue to open in Worcestershire under the Benvenuti franchise, with the business having a restaurant in Droitwich and Pershore. 

In December last year, a large fire broke out at the Pershore branch in Belle House on Bridge Street which has led to the branch closing for several months.

Seven fire engines were called to the three-storey building and were on the scene tackling the blaze for several hours.

The road was closed while neighbours were forced to evacuate their adjoining homes.

The restaurant has remained closed ever since.

No date has yet been given for the opening of the Pershore branch, but in the ashes, the business then opened its Droitwich branch in February. 

At the opening of the Droitwich branch, owner Luca Gallito previously said: "People in the town have heard about us before, and we have received an amazing welcome, and it's nice to be a great community.

"We cannot wait to meet you all.

"The team is very happy. 

"After last year's unfortunate situation [at the Pershore branch], we had staff keen to stay on and start a new venture."