ONE of Blackburn’s best-known eateries is to return to a prime town centre spot.

El Greco’s is opening in the former Cafe Beees building in Church Street in the next few days.

The move, which coincides with the opening of the £8million new market, was hailed by fellow traders in the area as ‘a return of a proper Blackburn-style eatery’.

And it also means Blackburn with Darwen Council has filled all of the costly Grade Two-listed Pavilions shops, restored for £1.4 million in 2004.

El Greco’s, opened by Savas Moustacas in 1968, was a popular fixture in the town, selling cooked food and sandwiches from its base on the ramp at Lord Square.

It closed in 2007 when Lord Square was demolished to make way for the £66 million shopping centre extension, which finally opened a year ago.

Mr Moustacas has also closed his Tre Fontaine cafe, on Salford, to pave the way for the move to Church Street.

He said: “We are looking forward to it. Hopefully it will be a positive move.”

He said the new El Greco’s will be open by next week, possibly even as early as Friday, once the interior has been fitted out.

The windows of the shop have been decorated with displays by local artists.

Long-serving Blackburn hairdresser Jeff Stone, who is based on nearby Fleming Square, was thrilled by the news.

He said: “I couldn’t be more delighted that the El Greco’s name is being resurrected.

“It meant so much to people in the old cafe society of Blackburn.

“It’s a fantastic move for Blackburn and he deserves every success.”