A TASTE of Italy has arrived in Heddon-on-the-Wall.

Biagio Mozzillo, an Italian chef from Naples, has taken over the former Dell site on the village's Taberna Close.

The newly-named Bell e Buon is now an Italian deli shop and bistro, serving pizzas, fresh pasta and Italian coffee and homemade cakes.

“I am really looking forward to presenting my ideas and food to the local people of Heddon and hopefully, much further afield", said Biagio, who previously ran a restaurant in Durham. "It’s a lovely village and I like the idea of being on the Roman Wall for the many tourists that come here.

"We'll try our best to give everybody a good welcome with quality dishes at a reasonable price but at the same time, be part of the community. So when people come in, they'll feel like family and will enjoy coming in for a coffee, chat and cake and then some food and a bottle of wine at night time to have a good time.

"It's something I've always wanted to do, open my own deli. I've got previous experience with a restaurant but I wanted to do something smaller.

"There are so many Italian restaurants around the North East, this is something authentic and original.

"My menu is smaller but based on quality. My products are original Italian products and people when they come in, will see the difference in taste and the flavour."

Biagio, who moved to England around 20 years ago, explained he was drawn to the site for its size and location.

"It's cosy when you've got a few tables in, it's a lovely atmosphere - that makes a difference for everybody", he added.

"It's a bit different; there's only two pubs in Heddon, there's not many shops. The village has taken the new addition really well.

"Everybody is excited and wants to come in and try, and that's a good feeling as it's been closed for a long time."

Bell e Buon, which had a soft launch before officially opening, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday.