A restaurant which has been vacant for most of the year will be brought back to life – thanks to a man who used to work there.

The Rokka in Bradshaw was due to rebrand in January of this year, as the Mezze Lounge and Grill.

However, it has been empty for most of the year  with some of windows boarded up.

Work is now taking place at the venue.

But now a former employee there has got the keys and will be aiming to reopen later this year.

(Image: NQ)

Lokman Gurbuz worked there when it was the Latino Lounge.

And when he heard the restaurant was available he was determined to return to Bolton.

Now he plans to transform it into the Bradshaw Bar and Grill.

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Mr Gurbuz also runs the Chadderton Bar and Grill and the Istanbul Grill in Culcheth, Warrington.

He said: “I want to expand the bar and I want to have a water room in the back room.

“I am really excited about it.

“We have a chef and we will be doing food, there will be pies, fish and chips, scampi and burgers.

“I worked here for four years when it was the Latino Lounge between 2008 and 2012.

“It was like we had a family with the customers who came, we want to get that back.

“I am hopeful we can get it open in August.”

(Image: NQ)

The restaurant was previously run as Rokka and was due to be refurbished after the owners changed hands earlier this year.

It had been expected to reopen in February but nearby residents had been left wondering what was happening to the restaurant which used to be a favourite among them.