THE future of three Carluccio's restaurants in the region looks bleak as a rescue deal to save a handful of stores was completed today.

Carluccio's restaurants in Newcastle and York are unlikely to reopen once lockdown restrictions are lifted after a last minute deal was struck.

On Friday, the troubled restaurant chain was sold to Boporan Restaurant Group in a move that has saved more than 800 jobs.

However, the new deal will result in the loss of 1,000 jobs as 40 restaurants will remain permanently closed.

This includes its site on Grey Street in Newcastle, and both restaurants in St Helen's Square and Coppergate in York.

Carluccio's plunged into administration in March after the impact of coronavirus exacerbated the firm's long-standing financial difficulties.

It comes as earlier this week, Bella Italia owner Casual Dining Group filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators as it became the latest chain to be hit by the lockdown.

Administrators for Carluccio's said the following 30 restaurants have however been saved:

Beverley

Bluewater

Bristol, Cribbs Causeway

Cambridge

Cheshire Oaks

Chester

Chichester

Colchester

Derby

Kingston, Bentalls

Leamington Spa

Leeds, Trinity

London, Islington Development Kitchen

London, Marriott Heathrow

London, Marriott Regents Park

London, Richmond

London, South Kensington

London, St Christopher's Place

London, St Pancras Station

London, Waterloo Station

London, Wimbledon

Manchester, Trafford Centre

Manchester, Piccadilly

Portsmouth

Reading

Sheffield

Solihull

Southampton

Stratford on Avon

Walton on Thames