Annie Jones, founder of the eponymous restaurant opened in Lavant Street in 2002, says it has given her “great pleasure” to see new owners Dom and Tony take it over.

“I love seeing my name on the window still and I still get excited when I drive down the street to see it and I wish you all the best,” she said at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Foodies can expect a French-inspired menu at the revamped 55-cover restaurant with an emphasis on locally- produced meat and produce.

Taking on Annie Jones was a mouthwatering proposition for Dom Humphries as the businessman considers the restaurant to be “bit of a Petersfield institution.”

He said: “It was my bolt hole and it was a nice place to go and have a meal or drink around nice people and I was gutted when it disappeared.

“When the opportunity came up to take on the business, I couldn’t say no. I think people are eager to see what we’ve done and people have missed the great garden vibe there.”

Expect to see pigeon, lamb rump, ratatouille and a charcuterie on the menu when the restaurant fully opens this week.

And lazy lunches are on the menu too, after East Hampshire District Council agreed to remove a historic planning condition in April restricting afternoon opening hours.