A popular Lake District restaurant is set to remain open.
Casa Bella, which operates from 22 to 26 Station Street in Keswick, will remain in the town under new ownership.
It comes after owner Andrew Stockwell, 65, announced plans to retire and close the business last month.
The family-run restaurant was run by Andrew for 22 years, and while he wanted to keep the doors open, at first, he couldn’t find anyone to take it on.
But Andrew has now confirmed that George and Meera Cherian, who also own Merienda in the town centre and Ivy House in Braithwaite, have now stepped forward to run the restaurant.
Andrew said he was thrilled Casa Bella will live on.
He added: “It’s really wonderful, after 22 years we’ve built a restaurant which is a firm favourite for visitors and locals alike.
“I would love my legacy to be a thriving restaurant which goes on for a long time to come.
“George and Meera are full of enthusiasm and drive for the place to continue and do well.
“They’re really looking forward to welcoming customers old and new.”
Andrew is set to officially hand ownership over to the husband-and-wife duo on November 10.
The restaurant is set to remain open during the transition period.
But it will close for a few weeks in January for its annual refurbishment.
Andrew added: “My last night will be November 9 before I disappear off into the sunset!
“George and Meera are looking forward to keeping Casa Bella exactly as it is, and the staff are all being retained.
“George is a trained chef who specialises in Italian food, and he is looking forward to bringing that expertise to the kitchen and to introduce new ideas and dishes.
“But it’s going to be the same family-run, family style restaurant, and it will keep Station Street a thriving and bustling part of the town.”
Andrew is planning to stay in Keswick and spend time exploring the Lake District more in his retirement.
He said: “After so many years of working relentlessly, it will be nice to really enjoy the area we live in!
“When you work in this trade you do work six or seven days a week and you often get called in.
“It’ll be nice to think my phone will be ringing for leisure activities and not work emergencies!”
Andrew added that is grateful for all the support staff and customers have given him over the years.
He said: “I would love to say a huge thank you to the hundreds of people that have worked here and alongside me over the years, and to all the customers who’ve supported us.
“I wish George and Meera all the best for the future and I’m sure they’ll make a great success of it.”
