ONE of Warrington’s most popular Italian restaurants has unveiled its new look.

Donatello’s in Orford Lane was closed between October 3 and 17 for a refurbishment project and for the installation of a new wood burning pizza oven.

The pizzeria has also extended into the neighbouring unit that used to be Ellson’s florist with additional space for around 30 diners while the interior has been modernised with plush half-moon booth-style seating.

Donatello’s opened in 1996 when Latchford resident Jack Bolton, who owned a plumbing and heating company, bought 75 Orford Lane.

His plan, along with his wife Jacqueline, was to provide a business for his daughter Julie and her husband Khalid Boujibar.

Jack saved up and coordinated the work to transform the property into a restaurant.

He died in 2009 but Donatello’s still remains in the family with Khalid now running the pizzeria with his sons Sam and Adam, who both attended Birchwood High School.

The refurbishment project saw the removal of the original pizza oven that had been used since 1996.

It is estimated that 730,000 pizzas and garlic breads had been baked in it over 20 years.

Donatello’s now has room for around 90 diners with its signature dishes being calzone alla bomba, cheese garlic pizza bread and penne supreme.