BOTTELINO'S Swindon has closed its doors for good with the premises set to be redeveloped into offices, it was confirmed today.

Speculation of the future of the Italian eaterie in Penzance Drive had been mounting since it shut on Saturday.

Confirming the closure, Colin Wiltshire, director of Colino Ltd, who manages the Bottelino's franchise said the news came as a 'great shame'

He said:"Basically we have closed the doors and the owners are developing the premises into office space so that is where we are at the moment. We have a few interested parties who are keen to get involved with the new offices. Now the building is getting ready for redevelopment work and the changes that are to come."

Bottelino's is part of a small chain which also has branches in Portishead and Weston Super Mare.

Colin said the staff had all been offered positions in the neighbouring Bottelino's.

He said:"We are making sure staff are relocated with both part-timers and full-time staff given the option to move to our Weston or Portishead sites. All the staff are very happy."

Bottelino's has gone through some difficulties in recent months.

A private party at the restaurant on Halloween 2016 was gatecrashed by a group of people who then started a big brawl.

One man was stabbed and the restaurant was forced to close for two weeks.

When it reopened, it was under new management.

Colin paid tribute to the restaurant's loyal customers.

He said:"Thank you for everybody who came to the restaurant for the last 10 years to support us. It is a shame, it is a nice place and hopefully we can bring it back to its former glory as an office space. It's all positive."