A RESTAURANT in York has unveiled a new bar after it expanded into a former shop next door.

Gusto Italian's new bar - dubbed the ‘Peroni bar’ after it was sponsored, designed and refurbished by beer giants Peroni - is open for business today (Thursday) after a £25,000 refurbishment.

The bar is situated in little Stonegate, next to the restaurant, and will be replacing the Mulberry Hall shop that closed down after 60 years in 2016.

The new venue features a bar and lounge, that will be selling a selection of cocktails, bar snacks and sweet treats.

Marketing director of Gusto Italian, James Newman, said that idea for the bar began in the summer after discussions with Peroni.

He said: “We had a meeting with Peroni at the end of August and they offered to work with us and help sponsor us with the renovation.

“We had noticed that many diners come into the restaurant looking for a drink before the meal or a post-meal cocktail but we simply couldn’t accommodate that in the restaurant.

“We thought that creating a separate bar would be a perfect solution and open up a new partnership with Peroni.”

Work started on the refurbishment on Monday, November 19 and was completed within four days.

Mr Newman said: “We have created something that we think is a lovely hidden bar, behind the restaurant that can offer a quality selection of Italian beers and stunning cocktails for waiting guests or those who simply wants a few drinks with friends.

“We look forward to welcoming people.”

The opening times of the bar will be the same as the restaurant, opening from 12pm until 11pm on Weekdays and 10am until 1am on weekends.

Prices for drinks will range from £7 to £10 for the cocktails and £4.50 to £6 for beers and ales with the signature Peroni pint costing £4.95.

Nick Porter, director for Peroni, who helped organise the refurbishment, said: “Gusto are a key customer for Peroni Nastro Azzuro and we are delighted to partner with them on this space in their York Site.

“It will be a fantastic environment to live life in Italian style enjoying an aperitivo moment and a cold crisp refreshing Peroni.”

Mr Newman added that the refurbishment was one of four units that the restaurant has its eyes on as it looks to expand further in York next year.