IT’S been the end of an era and the start of a new one at a family-run Hexham restaurant.

For, after nine years at the helm of Vercelli on Priestpopple, Louise Brison said goodbye this month to her staff and customers.

The popular Italian eatery, which employs a dozen staff, first opened its doors in 2008 with part of the restaurant transformed and launched as Bar Kalanta in 2013.

Louise’s daughters Amy (21) and Millie (19) were also familiar faces for customers as they became more involved in the business over the years.

But after deciding to sell the restaurant, Louise revealed the business would be left in good hands with head chef of two years, Jordan Dodwell, taking up the mantle.

“It feels like the right time to go,” said Louise, who paid tribute to staff and customers, past and present, who have supported her over the years.

In particular Sara Irvin and Catherine Purvis, who have remained “reliable and loyal” since becoming members of staff on the very first day, she added.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jordan and his family all the very best.”

Having grown up on the family farm in Hexhamshire, 22-year-old Jordan is no stranger to running his own business. “I’ve always had a business mind and from being really young, kept chickens and sold the eggs and kept pigs and started a meat business,” he explained.

“The restaurant is successful so we’re not planning on making many changes. But I’m excited to build on what we have already.”

The restaurant re-opened last week after a short closure for staff training and minor alterations.