A MUCH loved family-run Italian restaurant has closed its doors after 28 years.

Topolino Duo, in Church Road, Hove, has been a regular haunt for thousands of locals since it opened back in 1986.

Owners Angelo and Linda Cavallo are set to walk away from the restaurant business to enjoy retirement – but have not ruled out a return.

Mr Cavallo, 55, said: “We have been here 28 years and not many other restaurants can say that. We have had very loyal customers with the same families visiting for decades. Births, marriages, wakes, we have done them all.”

Due to a confidential agreement, the couple were unable to announce their departure until Friday – a day before their final night.

As a result there was big final service celebration. However, Mr Cavallo described his last night as “great fun” and “very entertaining”.

He added: “Things have changed a lot. When we first started we were the only Italian restaurant on Church Road, now we are one of a plethora.

“But we have lasted 28 years and the only reason we are leaving is because we are retiring.”

The restaurant has been a popular spot for local celebrities with Peter Andre and Des Lynam both regulars.

Mr Lynam even had his 70th birthday celebrations at the restaurant.

Another regular was former Albion chairman Dick Knight who famously used the restaurant as a venue for his various hirings and firings across the years.

The likes of club legend Bobby Zamora put pen to paper in the restaurant in 2000 while manager Mark McGhee was given his marching orders over dinner six years later.

It was said that if Mr Knight invited you for dinner at the Hove restaurant, it was not worth ordering dessert as you would be out of a job and out the door before long.

The restaurant was also a keen supporter of various charities and had helped out with The Argus Appeal.

Mr Cavallo said their success was down to consistency and a loyal customer base.

He added: “We would like to thank all our customers for 28 years of support. Some of the Facebook messages we have had over the last few days have been incredible. It has been a fantastic time and we will take away many fond memories.”