THE imminent closure of an Italian restaurant and bar has been met with sadness from customers.

Piccolino, which opened on Moor Gate, Clitheroe, in 2009, will serve customers for the final time on September 5.

The news has been met largely with sadness on social media, with many upset that they will no longer be able to visit what has been a popular eaterie over the years.

On Facebook, Claire Crossley-Ellis said: "I've always loved Piccolino. The food and staff have always been amazing and I also became great friends with a lot of the staff. Thanks to this great Clitheroe restaurant, it will be sadly missed."

Donna Parkinson said: "This is such sad news. We have been eating here as a family for nine-years back when Daniele Atzori was the manager.

'I don't know a lot of the new staff but the head chef Marik is amazing and been there a long time. I'm so sad he and others lose jobs, and others. Most of all, we will miss the amazing food. Gutted."

Mel Reid reacted: "Oh my god. It was packed when we went the other week. What a shame."

While the general consensus was that the restaurant would be missed, some put forward their top choices for what could potentially stand in its place.

Suzanne Cooper said: "It would be great to have a really nice wine bar, or a Thai or Mediterranean style restaurant. It's a shame that Piccolino feels the need to shut this restaurant though."

Linda Haslewood commented: "A really good Thai or fusion restaurant would be good."

Fiona McCally said: "A good bar and grill would be nice."

Thai food appeared to garner the most interest from commenters, though the possibility of a Wetherspoons also had significant backing.

The £1.2million grade II-listed building had a huge refurbishment more than a decade ago, which is when the venue was transformed into a 200-cover Piccolino.