The owners of a Rickmansworth restaurant have revealed why it shut unexpectedly for good - and which eatery is set to replace it.

A notice was posted in Zaza Italian restaurant's window in Church Street this summer advising it was closed for refurbishments before confirming the permanent closure this week.
The notice posted in the window of Zaza in Church Street. The notice posted in the window of Zaza in Church Street. (Image: Christopher Day/LDRS)

A spokesperson has now told the Watford Observer: “Zaza has outgrown the Church Street location and after difficulty trying to enlarge or extend the building, we took the decision to not reopen the site.”

The chain owns the freehold to the unit and has decided to lease it out while it considers “other opportunities and larger units”.

Zaza said it had outgrown the Church Street location.Zaza said it had outgrown the Church Street location. (Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson continued: “We have very recently agreed a letting to our good friends from San Giorgio Pizzeria in Abbots Langley, they're looking to open next year and we're sure they'll be a worthy addition to the Rickmansworth dining scene. 

“Meanwhile we have recently opened a new, much larger site next to the duck pond in Ruislip and we're also looking to double the size of our Berkhamsted site soon, so onwards and upwards for Zaza."

Founded in 2006, the Italian restaurant chain currently has seven other sites across Hertfordshire and North London, including in Bushey.

The San Giorgio Pizzeria which is set to move into the unit claims to serve “the real taste of Italian cuisine” and currently has a 4.9 star rating on Google from over 161 reviews.

The news shocked Rickmansworth residents who said they were “devastated” by the permanent closure. 

One called the restaurant the “best the town had to offer”, while another commented: “Sad, I’ve had many a good evening there.”

Another local warned: “Yet another business folding in Rickmansworth. So very sad. We should be very worried for the future of our once lovely little town.”

Others questioned however whether the town could support multiple Italian restaurants as the Church Street location is also home to Maurizio's and the Minori Rosta.