THE RIVER Parrett Inn in Bridgwater is under new ownership and work is underway to convert it initially into a 76-seater restaurant to open next month.

The new owner of the Salmon Parade pub, Mariusz Muskietorz, also wishes to add B&B rooms later. The whole venture looks set to create around 20 full and part-time jobs.

Mariusz, who already owns Maja Delicatessen in Bridgwater and Exeter, explained: “Bridgwater is developing and growing rapidly and there is a real demand for new places to eat out.

"It’s fast becoming a boom town and we’re committed to the area and providing work for local people. We’re investing significantly in getting the property into a good shape and plan to launch on November 8.”

Once re-opened the business will be renamed The River Parrett Restaurant, and will have 'a modern British brasserie feel', and the team are now on a major recruitment drive ready for the opening.

“We are currently looking for everyone from front of house to kitchen staff to help service customer demand. We’ve roles from the very top down," Mr Muskietorz said.

He explained the restaurant is seeking a skilled head chef to create the season menu, and was recruiting and training kitchen staff and additions to the management team.

“We need to recruit other staff too, a mixture of full and part-time employees, to run the restaurant seven days a week, covering both lunchtime and evening trade.

“We have vacancies for chefs at all levels,as well as a kitchen porter, and want to have a six-person strong, full-time kitchen team in place for the launch.”

The new restaurant, which cost more than £200,000 to refurbish, will be open seven days a week, all year around including Christmas and Boxing Day.

“We will offer a choice of lunchtime and evening dishes, as well as festive party menus for anyone booking their works staff party in the run up to Christmas. All food will be freshly prepared on the premises and ingredients will be sourced locally.

“We will be launching our website www.theriverparrett.co.uk shortly too and full details of the restaurant, our proposed launch event, job opportunities and more will be available here. We’re already live on social media so people can find out more here too.”

For more information call Joanna Lizak on 07740 267067 or email office@theriverparrett.co.uk.