Award-winning restaurant Al Molo is to expand into Dorchester creating ten new jobs.

Co-owners Giuseppe Vannucci and Tim Newton have secured the lease of the historic Judge Jeffreys building on High West Street, pictured right.

The listed 17th century lodgings contains two Jacobean rooms, Tudor fireplaces and is one of the few surviving timber-framed buildings in the town.

Refurbishment work has already been commissioned with Al Molo Ristorante Di Pesce due to open its doors this Spring.

It will be a sister restaurant to Al Molo in Weymouth.

Launched in 2015, the restaurant, pictured, transformed the Pier Bandstand into a favourite destination for Italian food.

Tim and Giuseppe swiftly achieved national recognition from the Italian Chamber of Commerce with the ‘Marchio Ospitalità Italiana’ seal of quality award.

Last year it took the coveted Gold Award for ‘Restaurant Of The Year’ at the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.

Earlier in the year it took Gold for Restaurant of the Year in the Dorset Tourism Awards.

Building on that success, the new restaurant, Al Molo Dorchester, will move away from the traditional Italian focus to bring fresh locally caught fish to the forefront of the menu.

Giuseppe said: “I am excited to take the Executive Chef role in our new restaurant and have some wonderful ideas for the new menu.

“Expect the best of Al Molo with a new direction.

“Whilst Al Molo in Weymouth will continue to reflect delicious food born from our Italian roots, Al Molo Dorchester will celebrate our home here on the wonderful Dorset coast, with a strong focus on fresh, locally caught fish.

“We believe it’s the perfect location for us to continue sharing our passion for food and look forward to welcoming new guests and old friends.”

With Giuseppe’s move to Dorchester, the Head Chef role in the Weymouth restaurant will be filled by Fabio Guasco.

Fabio’s promotion comes after several years of dedication to the Al Molo culinary programme as Sous Chef.

His previous experience includes fine restaurants in Genoa, the 5-star The Dorchester London and working alongside Giuseppe in his previous restaurant – Bacco in London.

Tim said: “We are thrilled to bring a new dining experience to Dorset’s county town in such a stunning and famous building, as we expand our  footprint across Dorset.

“We are looking forward to welcoming guests when the doors open this Spring.

“Our team in Weymouth have been instrumental in our success, especially through the recent difficult trading period, which we are most grateful for.

“We are delighted to offer further employment opportunities with the opening of this restaurant”.

Further announcements will be coming prior to the launch.

• almolo.co.uk