A new Italian restaurant is hoping to get a historic town centre building “rocking” once again.

La Vecchia Orsa has confirmed it will open its doors at the former Bear Hotel building in Chippenham Market Place from 5pm on Wednesday, October 23.

The new family run restaurant is paying tribute to its historic home with its name, which is Italian for The Old Bear.

It is being opened by the team behind La Vecchia Banca, a successful restaurant that has been operating out of an old bank in Bishop’s Cleeve, near Cheltenham.

Arturo, the manager of the town’s newest eatery, told this paper he was excited to bring an “authentic” Italian dining experience to Chippenham.

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La Vecchia Orsa is opening at The Bear in ChippenhamLa Vecchia Orsa is opening at The Bear in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest) He said: “We’re very excited to be opening and to bring a wide range of authentic Italian dishes to our customers.

“Our sister restaurant has a similar menu and personnel and that’s been a hit so we’re hoping to bring that experience to the people of Chippenham and get the place rocking.

“Everything will be cooked fresh so we can easily alter dishes for people who may be gluten or lactose intolerant.”

The restaurant will take over the ground floor of the former hotel, which was previously occupied by La Taperia restaurant and bar after the tapas bar closed its doors in September.

Arturo added that the new occupants were happy to be taking on such a historic building.

He said: “It’s brilliant and we’re very happy to be here because we always look for buildings with a bit of character.

“The building is so beautiful, and we’re just trying to restore it and make it as nice as possible.”

While the restaurant on the ground floor of the prominent building will be retained, plans have also been approved to turn the upper floors into flats.

La Vecchia Orsa has promised a “delightful and extensive” menu boasting pastas, pizzas, risottos, and chicken and fish dishes.

A spokesperson added: “Benvenuti Chippenham, we are thrilled to bring La Vecchia Orsa, our independent Italian restaurant to the heart of Chippenham.

“With years of experience in hospitality, we take pride in offering authentic Italian dishes made with love and the finest ingredients.

“Our sister restaurant in Bishops Cleeve has been a wonderful success, thanks to the support of the community and the passion we pour into every meal.

“Inspired by that warm reception, our family has decided to expand and share our cherished menu with the wonderful people of Chippenham.”