A WELL-known Ramsbottom bistro is about to reopen under new ownership after being closed for several weeks.

The Hungry Duck on Bridge Street will be opening its doors to customers once again on Friday.

Tom Morgan, from Gippsland in Australia, who worked at the restaurant as a head chef, will be taking over ownership of the restaurant with his partner, Ellen Cunningham.

After moving to the UK a number of years ago and working at various establishments in London, he was recruited as a head chef at The Hungry Duck by the previous manager to reinvigorate the menu.

In November, Tom and colleagues were told the restaurant was closing, due to the impact of the pandemic.

Weeks later, Tom was given the chance to take up the reins by the owners.

Tom asked Elle to join in his new venture as owners and the pair decided they would rehire the old staff for the challenge ahead.

He said he wants to change the image of The Hungry Duck, by changing the menu to make it more accessible and give the restaurant a more homely feel, less of an 'event' restaurant and more 'community-oriented'.

Tom said: “Me and everyone who works here are hospitality-lovers, through and through and now we have the chance to be at the forefront of the local community by being the restaurant that everyone can casually pop into on a regular basis.

“We’re not the place where you pay and arm and a leg for exclusive caviar.

"We’re the place you come to for good food at a great price, food that’s fresh, honest and not hyper-processed.

“As nervous as we are, we can’t wait to open up and welcome people back in and we’re so excited to be part of the hospitality scene in Ramsbottom, which is buzzing.

“I’m from the countryside in Australia, and I moved here because wherever you go, you’re not far from the countryside or a great walk/

"Yet it still has all the conveniences and things you need within walking distance.

Tom added: “We hope to see all of our old customers return and plenty of new ones, we want to be a friend to the community.

“We’re not in this business to make millions, we’re in this because we have a genuine passion for it.”