A POPULAR Italian restaurant chain has announced it will be reopening its site in Basildon following a major refurbishment.

Frankie and Benny’s says the revamp has made its restaurant feel brighter, vibrant and has improved the set-up.

Part of the redesign has been carried out due to the growth in delivery and takeaways during lockdowns.

One of the main elements of the refurbishment is the expansion of the kitchen area, which bosses say will ‘enhance’ the team’s ability to deliver on the investment that has been put into the Frankie’s menu over the past year.

The iconic sign of the restaurant chain has also been altered above the main door.

Although it will still be in the signature neon red, it will state "Frankie’s” as that side of the brand is ‘coming to the fore’.

The restaurant will be reopening this Friday (October 22).

Jonathan Knight, Managing Director at Frankie & Benny's, said: “We are delighted with the new look Frankie’s.

"As part of our efforts to evolve the brand and deliver an excellent customer proposition, we are letting Frankie take centre stage and move the brand forward to a bright future.

“We are excited to begin refurbishing other restaurants and we can’t wait to welcome back customers at the end of October.”