Pictured above: (l-r) Jon Emmerson and Jay Rathour outside the new Caffe Nero on Forman Street

Nottingham's oldest restaurant is to open its doors again - this time as a coffee shop.

Caffé Nero is to open at 35 Forman Street, which has been a restaurant since 1890. Latterly it was Punchinello's, which closed in 2009.

The Nottingham office of heb acquired the site, opposite the Corner House, Caffe Nero and the coffee shop is now open.

The former restaurant is to be fully refurbished by Caffé Nero in lieu of a rent free period negotiated by heb.

The property comprises of approximately 1,500 sq ft of ground floor sales with first and second floor ancillary accommodation, said Jon Emmerson partner of heb Nottingham.

"It's great that tradition is being continued and that Nottingham's oldest restaurant will continue to offer food and drink," he said.

"This acquisition will complement Caffé Nero's three existing stores within the city centre and this superb location will ensure that the unit trades well.

"In addition to the ground floor trading area, Café Nero will benefit from external seating. Nearby operators include Nando's, Pizza Hut, Subway, Slug and Lettuce, Revolution and Chiquitos. Caffe Nero will be a natural addition to Forman Street tenant line up."

Caffé Nero already has units on Bridlesmith Gate, Wheeler Gate and Angel Row and heb is retained by Caffé Nero to acquire units throughout the East Midlands.

The property is owned by local property entrepreneur, Jay Rathour, said: "It has always been my intention to renovate the property in association with a high calibre operator, and that goal has now been achieved with Caffe Nero. It has completed a stunning and sensitive renovation of the property that I am thrilled with."