AN ITALIAN restaurant is changing hands after the owner has decided to ‘hang up the gloves.’

Galleria Italiana, on Friar Street, Worcester has been sold to the owners of SUGO Italian in the Tything.

Faust Mazzocchi, the owner of Galleria Italiana who ran the restaurant for eight-and-a-half years posted on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this post. I made the decision to sell Galleria Italiana back in the late summer. After nine years of doing this I felt I needed to slow down and take it easy. I would like to thank all the wonderful customers that have supported me and the great staff that have stood by me. I got to know some truly genuine people.”

Mr Mazzocchi told the Worcester News: “I have been thinking for some time about giving it up. Changes like Brexit and the change in minimum wage haven’t helped with running a restaurant and the city council doesn’t help much with independents.”

I just got fed up with the 12-15 hour shifts, it all got on top of me.”

Mr Mazzocchi from Worcester said: “It is a very well loved restaurant in Worcester, but it was time to start hanging up my gloves. When I started it, Galleria Italiana was the most reviewed and most loved Italian restaurant in Worcester.”

“I will still work in another restaurant in Droitwich, a bistro and bar, I will still be employed by that restaurant part time.

“I wish SUGO all the best, it is a very, very good restaurant.”

Mr Mazzocchi will continue to manage The Bullocks Bistro and Bar in Droitwich.

Richard Bartram and Ron Morgan, owners of The Two Crafty Brewers, which incorporates the Lamb and Flag and Sugo, said: “We’re excited to be opening SUGO on Friar Street and can’t wait to welcome customers old and new. Our customers can expect to have the same delicious food and great service that we already offer at SUGO at The Lamb a Flag. It has really been a huge success for us and we think opening another will only increase Worcester’s clear love for Italian food.”

Mr Bartram continued: “We’d also like to thank Faust, the previous owner of Galleria Italiana, for all of his hard work during this transition. We’d like to wish him and his family all the best for the future and his well-deserved retirement.” SUGO on Friar Street will be opening on November, 17.