A RESTAURANT that promises an "authentic taste of Italy" had a busy first few weeks after opening a new pizza cafe.

Benvenuti, which already has two venues, has launched Benvenuti Pizzeria in Droitwich as part of its new era after a "devastating" fire temporarily closed its Pershore branch.

The pizza cafe has opened next to its Droitwich restaurant on Queens Street and promises a daytime Italian experience.

TRANSFORMATION: The front counter in the Pizzeria. TRANSFORMATION: The front counter in the Pizzeria. (Image: Benvenuti) The third venue will be an addition to the Pershore and Droitwich restaurants.

Luca Gallito, the business owner, said the first few weeks of the Pizzeria have been very busy.

"Pizzeria has been a great addition to the town with so many fresh products," he said. 

"We serve freshly cooked Italian pizzas and sandwiches, have a little deli, and serve fresh desserts and ice cream.

YUMMY: A picture of one of the pizzas it sells. YUMMY: A picture of one of the pizzas it sells. (Image: Benvenuti) "We also do coffee to go and milkshakes.

"It has really been a great start with loads of happy customers."

Benvenuti Pizzeria opened in the former Greek takeaway Taverna, which closed on January 27.

The opening comes after the Italian restaurant in Belle House on Bridge Street in Pershore revealed it would remain closed for 18 months while work continued at the building, which was severely damaged in the fire.

The restaurant has remained closed ever since, with customers and residents sharing their upset.

After the opening of the Droitwich restaurant, Mr Gallito said: "It has been a very exciting first day in business, and we are very happy to welcome everyone.

The team at Benvenuti.The team at Benvenuti. (Image: Benvenuti) "We have received a few bookings, and over the next few days, we are expecting it to rise.

"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."

Massive changes had been made upstairs by adding more seating and restoring the interior to its roots. 

Not many changes could be made to the property as it is a listed building, but the team has added new furniture and worked on the wooden beams in the building.