A POPULAR Hexham restaurant has had a complete refurbishment.

Bouchon Bistrot, on Gilesgate, re-opened at the end of last month and welcomed guests back in to the revamped space.

Owner Greg Bureau said: “Everything from the kitchen to each floor has been fully re-done.”

He said there is now more seating area in the French restaurant, and the space is more “airy” and “contemporary”.

Greg, who opened the restaurant 14 years ago, said people have been impressed with the restaurant’s new look.

“They can’t recognise the place!” he said.

“It’s like a brand new business again.”

Due to lockdown restrictions, Bouchon Bistrot was closed for seven-and-a-half months.

“It’s been amazing [re-opening],” Greg said. “The feedback from people has been great.

“It’s a great feeling seeing old faces and new faces. It’s brilliant.”

The restaurant is also adding a two-storey rooftop terrace, which Greg hopes will be complete in a couple of weeks.

It will be south facing, with views over the town, including of Hexham Abbey.

The terrace will sit around 20 people.

A ‘glass room’, with three of its walls made out of glass, will open up to the terrace.

“It’s almost there,” he said.

“I just want it finished now.”