'Exciting times' are ahead for a popular Isle of Wight restaurant as it expands to Cowes.

Gio Giancovich, owner of the Smoking Lobster, and the recently opened Drunken Lobster, both in Ventnor, has confirmed plans are in place to open another eatery on the other side of the Island.

Taking over the former Cowes cafe Tiffins, a new Smoking Lobster restaurant could open at the beginning of May — if Covid guidelines permit.

Applications to refurbish the kitchens and dining area in the Grade II listed building on Cowes High Street were submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in January.

No external work is proposed on the building, apart from a change of signage and lighting, but the floors are set to be replaced and a bar area installed.

A heritage statement submitted as part of the application said original features of the building, which once housed iron mongers and yacht fitters, will be retained, keeping the historic character 'while enhancing the building'.

Speaking about the plans, Mr Giancovich said exciting times were ahead.

To view the proposals, or comment on the applications 21/00120/FUL or 21/00121/LBC, you can visit the council's planning portal. Comments will be accepted until March 19.