TV CHEF Marco Pierre White is set to open a new restaurant in Old Town next month.

The Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar, a chain with outlets in Bristol and Birmingham, will be the latest addition to Old Town’s already thriving food quarter. The new 80-cover restaurant will open in the former Old Bank restaurant in Wood Street.

Speaking of the new restaurant Marco Pierre White said: “Bardolino represents affordable, friendly and casual dining with authentic recognisable Italian dishes.

“After months of planning for the opening, I’m very much looking forward to opening the doors and offering a real taste of Italy to Swindon diners.”

The new eatery takes its name from the town of Marco’s mother’s birth, Bardolino, a stunning lakeside town on Lake Garda in northern Italy. It will feature an all-day express menu of authentic Italian food, coffees and Bellinis.

As the name suggests, pizza is the star dish, though Italy’s other classic plate, pasta, will certainly not be neglected.

Proprietor Manni Madhani spoke of his excitement at the project. He said: “Opening something like this is a really big thing and it will be great for the town – I am thrilled at the prospect.

“To be connected with a name as big as Marco’s is very special and we are sure it will be a huge success.

“The renovation work is going really well at the moment. We have had a lot of support from the design teams and it’s all coming together nicely.”

The restaurant, which is expected to open to great fanfare on March 10, will sport a true Mediterranean decorative style, with warm colours and washed woods to create an ‘ultra-casual’ and relaxed setting.

Restaurant goers can expect a variety of authentic stone-baked pizzas, homemade pastas and traditional desserts.

Marco will also offer a brunch menu that is available daily and becomes bottomless at weekends, with unlimited Bellinis paired with any item from the brunch menu.

Bardolino will occupy the ground floor of the three-story building. Manni will operate Bardolino under licence from the celebrity chef’s Black & White Hospitality business and will also manage The Bank bars which are located on the first and second floors.

Nick Taplin, CEO at Black & White Hospitality, said: “Marco and I have a great relationship with Manni and we’re very much looking forward to working together on this venture.

“Bardolino is sure to be a hit with both day-time and evening diners.

“The high street has changed a lot in the past few years and the demand for casual dining has become increasingly popular. A trend we believe is here to stay.

“This concept is designed to offer a fresh alternative, where authentic, uncomplicated food served promptly is absolutely essential.”

The chef has another venture in Wiltshire, The Rudloe Arms near Corsham.