MERIDIAN Point will say 'hasta la vista baby' to its movie-themed diner but 'buongiorno' to a brand new Italian restaurant.
Movie-themed American grill the Director's Cut ceased trading on December 23 – less than a year after it opened in March – following a £140,000 investment from businessman Alan Milburn , who also owns La Vive gym and Magic Castle on the same block.
It will reopen as Elmo's Italian Restaurant on Saturday, January 12.
The eatery will serve Mediterranean food such as pasta and pizzas – and workmen are already bringing about a transformation inside the building.
It is not clear who is behind the new restaurant and Mr Milburn was not available for comment.
Director's Cut was part of a huge investment of up to £250,000 which included a £60,000 to £70,000 refurbishment of what used to be Play Towers, which he renamed the Magic Castle when it reopened in January last year, as reported.
The Magic Castle, which is thought to have one of the largest climbing frames in Europe, proved a great success and Mr Milburn went along with plans to open the Director's Cut. As reported, the restaurant opened on March 14 – which created 35 jobs – with a Hollywood-style ceremony including red carpets and staff bursting into song.
Mr Milburn promised to use local suppliers and said customers would be able to book their movie tickets on iPads from their tables.
Classic movies played on 60-inch TV screens, the walls were adorned with famous faces of film stars old and new and the name of every dish on the menu had a Hollywood twist.
In September, new manager Mark Broadley took over and the restaurant produced a slightly smaller menu with simpler names – although still made with locally-sourced produce and meat.
Mr Broadley also introduced a challenge to customers – to eat six two-ounce burgers and a super-size portion of fries in less than half an hour, which proved popular.
The restaurant also held a special Halloween fundraiser for St Andrew's Hospice.
Keep checking your Telegraph for updates.
