A RESTAURANT in a prominent corner spot in Westcliff is up for sale less than a year after a £150,000 refurbishment.

Salvatore Burzotta, 70, boss at the historic Italian eatery, Basilica restaurant in Hamlet Court Road, is looking for a new owner after splashing the cash just before the Covid lockdowns hit.

The building, which was a former Lloyds bank, was built in 1901 and has been a prominent part of Hamlet Court Road ever since.

The restaurateur, who is advertising the freehold for £1million with Dedman Gray, said: “We are still facing a lot of frustration as we can’t open properly and did for a little bit but are closed again.

“We did get some old regulars back which is lovely and we work so hard to keep it safe for everyone.

“We do not have too many tables and keep people distanced but we do not know when we can re-open fully and the furlough is still going until March.

“The site is always for sale if someone comes up with the right price. Business has not been fantastic during the pandemic but I do believe in myself and the business and have hope for a future.”

Last summer, the venue boss forked out about £150,000 on a major revamp of the restaurant only for a two-month lockdown to stop his grand plans in their tracks.

The beautiful opera-themed eatery also underwent a name change from Pavarotti.

Mr Burzotta added: “I do think it’s possible someone will come forward with the right price for the freehold, which includes the large home above it too.

“We’ve had quite a bit of interest from businessmen but the offers were too low - one was £850,000.

“I had to step in and take it over myself after issues with the last tenant and I spent £150,000 on improvements.

“I cannot see why people will not come back with an offer we will accept and there has been interest for a while.

“If someone comes up with the right price, I would sell the above flat too and it’s freehold on offer due to issues last time.

“It’s a great and beautiful building so it needs to go the right home, when the times right for us too.”

He feels it would work well for a business boss or even as an investment.

The landmark building was first transformed into a restaurant in 1993 and retains many of its original features including the high ceilings and basement vault.

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray, said this offers a unique opportunity.

He said it will give a restaurateur chance to build up the business in a post-Covid world. It will be sold with fixtures and fittings.