A Latin American food chain has reopened in the town centre under new ownership.

Las Iguanas in Watford, which opened its doors again yesterday (August 24), is now owned by a new company called The Big Table following a deal that has safeguarded more than 4,000 jobs and 150 restaurants.

The Casual Dining Group that owned Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Las Iguanas said last month that it would close 91 of its 250 restaurants across the UK.

It previously confirmed that it planned to cut 1,909 jobs after calling in administrators. The board said that entering administration was in the best interest of stakeholders during the "extreme operating environment" it was having to trade through.

But private equity firm Epiris has now manage to acquire control of the three food chains after the Casual Dining Group was acquired from administration in a process handled by consulting firm AlixPartners.

The new business, through which Epiris has made the acquisition, has been called The Big Table. Epiris said it has invested money into the business to help restaurants which have been closed since March.

The Las Iguanas restaurant will be taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme before the it ends on August 31.

Las Iguanas marketing director Lucy Harwood said: "We're delighted to be throwing open the doors in Watford - doing what we do best and starting up the celebration for our guests once again, whether dining out or popping by to socialise with a few cocktails.

"Whilst we promise to be back with a bang with that relaxed Latin vibe everyone knows and loves, we’re taking extensive safety precautions and have introduced enhanced procedures in line with government guidelines to ensure a safe but fun Las Iguanas experience for everyone."