A POPULAR Italian restaurant has announced it will be opening a second eaterie in a nearby village.

Luigi’s Al Fresco restaurant is opening a new premises in Danbury.

The restaurant will be taking over the former 16th Century Griffin pub site on the A414 Main Road in Danbury.

The Italian restaurant plans to install igloos at their second site, similarly to its existing site in Market Hill in Maldon.

The opening date is yet to be confirmed but the owners are excited to get started.

Owners Emily, Enzo and Giovanni are inspired by their hometowns in the south of Italy.

The existing Italian restaurant has been popular with residents since it opened in July 2019.

A spokesman for Luigi’s Al Fresco said: “We're thrilled to announce that Luigi's is taking over the Griffin in Danbury.

“The Griffin will be a perfect blend of classic British and traditional Italian cuisine.

“We want to make it clear that the Griffin will be an addition to our Maldon location, not a replacement.

“Stay tuned for the opening date and more details. We can’t wait to share it with you.”