THE new owners of a popular Taunton restaurant are set to re-open in the autumn with a new menu.

Food fans were disappointed when the award-winning restaurant The Willow Tree, housed in a Grade II-listed building in Tower Lane, closed last month.

Now, the restaurant has been sold through property adviser, Christie & Co.

The Willow Tree was established by previous owners, Darren Sherlock and Rita Rambellas, in 2002 and quickly became one of the town's most popular eateries.

Awards and accolades included two AA Rosettes, a ‘Remy’ award, and being named as one of the ‘Top 10 Romantic Places to Eat in the UK’ by Good Food.

Stephen Champion, senior agent at Christie & Co’s Exeter office, said the new owners have temporarily closed The Willow Tree for refurbishment and will re-open with an updated menu of seasonal modern British classics in the autumn.

“We are delighted to have facilitated the sale of such a well-respected business," he said.

"We wish the new owners every success and have no doubt they will build upon the fabulous reputation developed by our clients, Rita and Darren.”