A POPULAR Prestwich restaurant is opening its doors for its very first sold out Ladies Lunch event, to showcase the recently revamped venue.

Babbo, in Scholes Lane, relaunched earlier this year after undergoing a multi-thousand pound makeover.

Formerly known as Saporito, the restaurant was founded in 2002 when the Cabrelli family decided to transform their local Italian restaurant.

Quickly growing in popularity the restaurant became known for its traditional Italian menu and Bruno, the father of the family, who could often be seen chatting to customers.

After 15 years of running the business Bruno decided to take a backseat, and the restaurant decided to embark on the next stage of their journey, relaunching as a neighbourhood family eatery.

Still run by the Cabrelli's, the restaurant rebranded, and in honour of Bruno took the new name Babbo — which is the affectionate Italian word for dad.

It now also boasts a newly designed bar and eating area, renovated bathrooms, marble floors, overhauled decor, bi-folding doors, and new furniture, glassware, tableware and cutlery.

Olivia Edwards, one of Babbo's owner's and daughter to Bruno, said; "We have had a fantastic response to the revamp, both from local customers and new customers.

"I'm over the moon with the changes and even my dad has been pleased with what we have done.

"Prestwich has grown so much and there are a lot of restaurants that have opened up.

"We are just looking forward to welcoming new customers and our amazing past customers."

Babbo is now set to host a Ladies Lunch event from 12pm to 3pm on July 5.

Although the meal is fully booked, both women and men are still being invited to attend the lunch to network and enjoy stalls and traders.

The event will also support and fundraise for the Myro Doodles 22 Bees Project, in conjunction with the Manchester Emergency Fund.

Created by Prestwich illustrator Myroslava Coates, the project fundraises for victims of the Manchester Arena attack by covering the doors and windows of businesses across the city in hand drawn bees.

Ms Coates also composed specially designed wall art which adorns Babbo's walls.

Ms Edwards said:“We are super excited for our first summer event. We know so many ladies who love to get together over lunch, so we thought why not pull all the stops out and put on an event to remember.

"It will be a great way for current customers and new customers to experience fine dining and what our lunchtime menu has to offer.”

Attendance to the Ladies Lunch event is by RSVP to info@theedge-events.com.

For more information on Babbo visit babbo-restaurant.co.uk, or to donate to the 22 Bees Project visit justgiving.com/fundraising/the22beesproject.