A CHIPPENHAM caf that has not changed for decades is to be replaced with a £250,000 bistro.

The prime site premises that housed the Waverley Caf for decades, is being refurbished and will become Hardy's restaurant.

Town couple Simon Cocking and Daniela Scarpino, who live in St Paul Street, are planning a mid-July opening.

The 60-seat restaurant will bring much of the four-storey building back to life, with dining rooms on the ground and first floors.

Mr Cocking said: "It is a wonderful building and we are planning to open Hardy's as a modern British bistro.

"Chippenham is like many market towns with its hotel and Indian and Chinese but not a lot of anything else.

"The town will have never seen anything like this before."

Hardy's will also have a lounge, and a meeting room that groups will be able to use free of charge.