EIGHT years after a chain of pizza shops opened a branch in Devizes the restaurant has undergone a major revamp.

PizzExpress in the Market Place now has new tiling, upholstered seating and new lighting along with artwork inspired by jazz greats.

Manager, Kathy Roberts, said: “We love our restaurant’s new look and have a friendly and enthusiastic team who are looking forward to welcoming everyone over a delicious pizza.”

A spokesman for the chain said: "New artwork in the restaurant has been inspired by PizzaExpress’s prestigious history over last 50 years, with imagery reflecting jazz, art, founder Peter Boizot, Soho London and authentic Italian ingredients."

Back in 2008 when Pizza Express first announced it was to open in the old Granada TV shop there was a mixed reaction as it had originally been mooted that a book shop was to take over the premises.

But then ASK Restaurants received planning permission to open a restaurant. The company, which at the time also owned PizzaExpress then decided the pizza restaurant would be a better fit for Devizes.

It opened on May 30 employing 50 staff to serve between 140 and 160 covers. A spokesman at the time said: "Devizes is a great town and our restaurant will be in a lovely listed building and it will have a gorgeous garden area."