SOUTH Coast Catering's new two-storey crescent-shaped Mezzaluna Restaurant in Poole Park is due to open on May 1.

Construction work on Mezzaluna started in October. It is one of three developments in Poole Park by South Coast Catering.

Last month saw the launch of its Central Park indoor ice rink, shortly after the launch of the new Central Park Café.

The £2 million tri-phase development has been funded by Lloyds TSB.

Poole-based South Coast Catering is headed up by Adrian Forte and his business partner Fidel Jabir.

It is better known as the company behind the Gus Gorilla's Jungle Playground attraction in Poole Park and also the Vesuvio Bar Ristorante on Bournemouth seafront.

South Coast Catering MD Mr Forte said: "This exciting three-stage development has been planned for over three years and as such I am delighted that we are now able to finally open the doors to the Central Park Rink and the Central Park Café.

"These new outlets will complement our existing attractions in Poole Park and have been made possible through the support and close-working relationship we have developed with relationship director Mike Bilson and the local Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets team."