A new Italian restaurant is opening in Sutton Coldfield after a £500,000 investment.

Pesto, on Hollyfield Road, opens at 5pm today after the joint investment between the Italian restaurant group and Star Pubs & Bars.

The special renovation has included the creation of a 600 sq ft bar within the 120 cover Italian restaurant and sees the restaurant offer a unique take on Italian dining for the area.

Co-owner of Pesto restaurants Neil Gatt said: “Pesto is all about enjoying great food together with family and friends and we’re delighted to open here in Sutton Coldfield.

“Our focus is on offering the best possible experience for diners using fresh ingredients to create a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes. We know our customers enjoy our grazing-style menu, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service style and, as this is our first Pesto restaurant in the West Midlands, we look forward to bringing our distinctive dining experience to prospective diners across the region.”

Pesto’s concept is based on offering a wide variety of ‘piattini’, which translates as small plates, allowing diners to enjoy and share a number of different, authentic Italian dishes during one meal.

The company currently has seven restaurants nationwide including venues in Manchester Trafford Centre, Glasgow and Cheshire and this will be its first restaurant in the West Midlands.