Hampstead's "most exclusive restaurant" is set to open a second location in Bushey next month.

Villa Bianca Bushey plans to open at the former St James unit in High Street on December 10, although it advised that the date remains subject to change.

It had initially aimed to launch in early November, following renovations, but this was pushed back.

A restaurant web page for Villa Bianca Ristorante Pizzeria Bushey is already live and allowing customers to make bookings.

The existing location, in Perrins Court, was established in 1985 and describes itself as “the most exclusive restaurant in the NW3 postcode”.

Villa Bianca serves “the finest Italian cuisine” including pasta, ravioli, gnocchi, risotto, meat and fish dishes. It holds a 4/5 score on Tripadvisor from 364 reviews.

The Coffee Cup Hampstead.The Coffee Cup Hampstead. (Image: Google Street View) The business also operates a café called The Coffee Cup Hampstead, in Hampstead High Street, around the corner from the main restaurant.

Perhaps Bushey’s most beloved restaurant, St James closed when its owner Alfonso Lacava retired on September 15.

St James Restaurant head chef Giammarco Angelilli (left), St James staff and owner Alfonso Lacava (second from right). St James Restaurant head chef Giammarco Angelilli (left), St James staff and owner Alfonso Lacava (second from right). (Image: St James Restaurant) It had won multiple awards, including being named a “local gem” by The Good Food Guide last October, and was the town’s top-rated restaurant from online reviews.