NEW signs have appeared outside a popular Prudhoe cafe and bar after a recent name change - and there are more changes inside.

The former La Piccola has become No.22 Front Street, and the new name comes along with a brand new layout, a new menu, and change in opening hours.

The refit has seen the kitchen and serving space moved to the back of the premises.

Meanwhile owner Karen Watson now has a license to sell alcohol, so there’s a range of beers, wines and spirits on offer, as well as plans to start selling cocktails.

And a tapas menu is now available on Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch times - offering something different from the lunches, sandwiches and cakes on the cafe’s daytime menu.

Karen said: “Tapas is something different for Prudhoe. I don’t think anyone else in Prudhoe does it. I think the way I’ve had the inside done out it has a bit of a Mediterranean feel to it, which fits in well.”

Karen had worked for La Piccola for 13 years and owned the business for over four years, and was keen to introduce some changes.

“I wanted to totally change it and make it my own,” she explained.

“We’re at number 22 so it made sense to go with No.22 Front Street and keep it simple.

“My brother has a construction business and he designed the inside, I just let him do what he wanted but I’m really happy with how it turned out.”

And to suit the introduction of alcohol and a tapas menu, Karen decided to begin opening some evenings too.

Opening Friday and Saturday evenings has allowed the business to welcome a whole new set of customers who can enjoy more of a bar atmosphere.

“The regulars all seem to love it.

“I’ve heard really good comments and there has been lots of new faces too.

“It’s all thanks to all the help I have had from my brother and partner and especially the staff - I couldn’t have done it without them.”