Popular restaurant hit by false closure rumours

San Giovanni has attracted famous guests including Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague

A well-known restaurant has denied rumours it is closing and said it had no idea who is behind them.

Family-run Italian diner San Giovanni has been serving the community in Atherstone, Warwickshire, for more than 17 years.

But director Eleanor Holcroft said the firm had been forced to quash online gossip after staff and guests started asking questions.

She explained 85% of her customers were regulars and the company was looking forward to serving them in the future.

Ms Holcroft labelled rumours the premises was closing or being sold as "bizarre".

"We have been family owned, independent and serving our Italian cuisine for over 17 years," she said. "We will continue to be doing just that for a long way into the future."

The restaurant said the rumours were bizarre and could be unsettling for staff

The firm urged people to remember that rumours could be "unsettling" for family members and staff.

"We’re not sure where rumours like this have started but you can be assured we’re definitely not going anywhere," Ms Holcroft added.

The restaurant prides itself on serving authentic Italian cuisine in a countryside setting with lakeside views.

It has attracted famous guests including Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague who visited in March.