FOOD lovers rejoiced at the long-awaited opening of a popular restaurant.

Bill’s restaurant opened its doors to the public at Freeport Braintree on Monday for the first time.

As well as a new dining experience, the restaurant has brought new jobs to the area, with Bill’s expected to employ about 30 members of staff.

Opening in the former premises of Tutti Tuscan Grille, the new restaurant has space for more than 200 diners, with 130 seats indoors and a further 68 outside.

Bill's Manager Michaela Nesbitt said: "We are really pleased to have opened our new store at Freeport Braintree - our 3rd location here in Essex - and we are looking forward to welcoming shoppers for breakfast, cocktails, lunch and dinner when they are taking a break from their retail therapy."

With more than 30 restaurants across the country, the chain is hugely successful.

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seasonal food is served in relaxed surroundings.

The cocktail menu is also particularly popular with guests and the Freeport site is fully licensed.