A WELL-ESTABLISHED Italian restaurant in Poole is to close later this month and reopen with new owners. 

La Lupa, in Poole Quay, is to change hands at the end of February after 45 years of ownership, making it Poole’s oldest Italian restaurant. 

Bosses announced the popular restaurant, which has been going since 1978, will close for a makeover on Monday, February 20 before reopening on Friday, March 3. 

La Lupa will keep its name first as the family who owned it said it “represents us and also because of the 45 years of history” the restaurant carries. 

In a statement online, a spokesperson for La Lupa said: “After many successful years of serving authentic Italian food on the Poole quay to its residents and not only, another era of La Lupa restaurant has come to an end. 

“We are excited to announce that the restaurant is changing hands from February 20. 

“The restaurant will keep its original name as we, decided as a family that it represents us and also because of the 45 years of history that La Lupa carries. 

“The best traditional Italian food will continue to be served, accompanied only by the finest wines. 

“We will be closed for a makeover from February 20 and are impatiently waiting to show you our remarkable take on La Lupa. 

“Our first day open will be Friday, March 3. We will start to take bookings from February 21.”