A top-rated Italian restaurant in the heart of Oldham town centre has announced it will be shut for more than three weeks to complete a makeover.

Stocco Oldham on Yorkshire Street is not only the top spot on Tripadvisor's "top 10 Italian restaurants in Oldham" list, but recently impressed our reporter with its welcoming environment, friendly staff and authentic Italian dishes.

Jessica tucked into three courses and found the calamari to be "up there with some of the best" while the chocolate fondant was "perfect".

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Diners across the region have shared Jess' enthusiasm for the stylish restaurant and its contemporary menu, whether dining in its Oldham premises or Stocco Norden on Edenfield Road, Rochdale.

Now, however, bosses have revealed the Yorkshire Street restaurant will be closing from Sunday, July 28, to Wednesday, August 21.

In a post on social media, team Stocco said it will be closed for almost four weeks as it makes some "renovations".

The team added: "We’ll keep you all posted on our progress and if any dates will change.

"Our new restaurant in Norden, Rochdale, will continue to be open and may be a great time for those of you that have planned to visit but enjoy the convenience of Oldham.

"We advise booking for evening visits.

"Norden is also open from 12pm each day serving our express lunch menu until 3pm.

"Thank you all again for choosing to dine and share your celebrations with us."

Reacting to the news, loyal customers said they "panicked" for a second before realising the closure is only temporary and that they "look forward to visiting the new look Stocco".

Another wrote: "Good luck with the renovation, can't wait to see what you do as it's beautiful at this present time."

A third wrote: "We have to go before it closes. I won't survive that long."

Stocco has been contacted for further information about the makeover plans.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk