The owner of an award-winning restaurant in Bushey has confirmed it will close after 27 years with “deep gratitude and bittersweet emotion”.

St James Restaurant owner Alfonso Lacava said it will shut for good on Friday, September 15 as he is retiring. A hospitality group is set to open a new restaurant in its place.

“This place has been so much more than just a business, it has been the heart and soul of my life, a second home where I’ve had the privilege of sharing countless special moments with all of you,” the restaurateur in his 60s said. 

“Looking back, I am overwhelmed with love and appreciation for the community we’ve built together. From the very beginning, you welcomed us with open arms, and over the years you’ve become not just customers, but dear friends and family." 

Head chef Giammarco Angelilli (left), St James staff and owner Alfonso Lacava (second from right).Head chef Giammarco Angelilli (left), St James staff and owner Alfonso Lacava (second from right). (Image: St James Restaurant) He continued: “You’ve celebrated your birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones with us; we’ve shared stories, laughter, and even tears. These moments are what made every day in this restaurant truly magical.

"To our loyal guests, whether you visited us once or were with us every week, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You entrusted us to be part of your lives, and it has been an honour."

Mr Lacava thanked his “incredible team” and executive chef Giammarco Angelilli, who he said had been the “backbone of everything we’ve accomplished”.

St James has won multiple awards, including being named a “local gem” by The Good Food Guide last October, and is the best rated restaurant in Bushey according to Tripadvisor. 

The business was graced by Hollywood royalty when Pretty Woman star Richard Gere visited in July, while the whole England football team also dined there in 2007.

St James owner Alfonso Lacava (left) with Richard Gere.St James owner Alfonso Lacava (left) with Richard Gere. (Image: St James Bushey) Executive chef Giammarco came to London 15 years ago to work with his uncle Alfonso at the restaurant and has led the kitchen for the past five.

The 35-year-old described his time there as a “great journey” as he is now moving to Milan to embark upon a new culinary challenge.

“I am planning to come back to Italy after 15 years to do a tasting menu of all the food I had around the world in India, New York and Cuba,” he explained. “I want people to travel through my food. 

Head chef, Giammarco Angelilli (left), and his uncle Alfonso Lacava (right) who owns the restaurant. Head chef, Giammarco Angelilli (left), and his uncle Alfonso Lacava (right) who owns the restaurant. (Image: St James Restaurant)

"Alfonso is retiring because after so many years the restaurant was such a busy place, everyone has their circle of life. He has done more than anyone else and having a place for 27 years is a great achievement." 

The St James unit will be taken over by the Villa Bianco Group, which runs an Italian restaurant of the same name and café in Hampstead, North London. It is believed the new restaurant will open in early November following renovations.