THEIR doors have been closed for four months due to flooding damage.

But staff at the Pizza Express in Winchester are preparing to re-open their doors next month.

Based in the original part of the Old Mill on the River Itchen, the Grade II listed restaurant was forced to close in February when the basement flooded.

It has taken three months to completely dry out and now workmen are busy transforming the building for the reopening on Wednesday, June 11.

The 20-strong team at Pizza Express Winchester were sent to other branches during the closure but are planning to return, as well as four new members of staff.

The refurbishment will bring a new restaurant layout suitable for private parties and manager of the restaurant, Steve Moore is now organising a grand re-opening for guests with a complimentary glass of Prosecco and free portion of dough balls.

He said: “The whole team is looking forward to returning to our restaurant, as well as welcoming new members to the team.

“PizzaExpress has been part of Winchester since 1996 and I am delighted that we will soon be an active part of the community once again.

“We have many loyal guests who we’re excited to welcome back to our beautiful restaurant.