Excitement as 'hard working local lad' takes over popular restaurant

Excitement is building as a new owner prepares to take on a South Liverpool restaurant.

James Nolan, owner of The Deysbrook in West Derby, recently bought Justino's Restaurant & Bar in Aigburth. He will change the name of the restaurant to Amici, with the new restaurant due to open in the summer.

In a public post on Facebook, James wrote: "After nine years of hard work the time has finally come for me to start a new venture, one I have always wanted to do and tried to make happen for the last five years. My friends and family will only know how much I’ve always wanted to open an Italian restaurant.

READ MORE: £10* unlimited day travel on Northern trains only with your ECHO

READ MORE: Win one of 10 £100 vouchers for top supermarkets in our Hovis competition

"So I have finally made it happen and I can now shout about it. I have acquired the former Justino’s site in Aigburth.

"The Deysbrook, which has been my life for the past nine years, has allowed me to take on this challenge and I will still be fully involved in the day to day operation and running of The Deysbrook but just not around as much whilst I get stuck into this new venue.

"I have trained a team of amazing colleagues who have been with me for many years and they will look after the ship whilst I get my new venture off the ground."

James added: "The journey of Amici begins now! The site is currently undergoing refurbishment throughout while myself and a really brilliant right hand lady work our a**** off getting everything else spot on.

"Great food, great drinks, great ambience, great customer service and a great all around experience is what you can expect. We plan to launch this summer but not too far away.

"I hope you can all get behind me and support me the way you have at The Deysbrook and I can’t wait to welcome you all with open arms at Amici."

The announcement generated a lot of excitement on social media. Commenting under James's Facebook post, one user said: "So proud of you Jay, a hard working local lad serving his community, we will be there to support you, good luck you you both."

On the ECHO Facebook page, the new owners received a lot of support from readers.

Diane Scally said: "Good luck Jay and Lou."

Stacey Naylor said: "Yes Jay. Well done and cant wait to try it."

Tracie Rose added: "Well done Jay. Made up for you."

On the ECHO website, readers were also optimistic about the new lease of life for the restaurant. ECHO reader 'Over & under 59' said: "It's in a prime location, you get your part right and you can't go wrong. The place was always busy whenever I passed it, even at lunchtime."

Carlos67 added: "Hope his passion and hard work pays off."

Justino's had been effectively closed since the beginning of March, with its shutters down. A notice of forfeiture was placed on its front later in March, meaning the lease was forfeited.

Receive top stories on everything going on in Merseyside including events, shopping and food and drink through our newsletter by signing up here