See inside new Italian restaurant after £1m refurbishment which created 25 jobs

Business partners and brothers Hibib and Masoud Farrahi, who already own established restaurant Luciano in Sunderland, have branched into the former Oaklands pub in Oakerside Park, Peterlee, to create a sister Luciano restaurant.

They got the keys to the site almost a year ago and have spent the past eight months renovating the building to give it a whole new identity as an Italian restaurant.

They’ve created a bar area for casual drinks and a bistro restaurant.

Renovations to the garden area are still ongoing, but it will feature a dog-friendly drinks area.

A spokesman for Luciano said: “The chefs were born in Italy and have come to Luciano after spending their time training in top London restaurants. No expense has been spared in trying to create something unique in the area of Oakerside Park.

“People can come along to the bistro and enjoy Italian fine food, tapas and a large selection of quality wines, gins and cocktails.”

The business, which opened last week, has created 25 full-time equivalent jobs.