An opening date is set for a television chef's high-end authentic Italian restaurant.

Caldesi is taking over the former Calici restaurant in Belsize Lane, in the heart of Belsize Village, after it suddenly closed its doors in December last year.

Owner Giancarlo Caldesi has already established his name in London after being in the city for 50 years, opening his restaurant in Marylebone in 2002 and running his cooking school La Cucina Cladesi with his wife Katie for nearly 17 years.

The television chef, who first starred in the BBC series Return to Tuscany and has also appeared on shows such as Saturday Kitchen and MasterChef, hopes to be welcomed by the community in Belsize Park.

The eatery will be opening on April 3, with reservations already being accepted.

It will be partnering with Simposium Hospitality Consultants for its launch. 

Originally, Mr Caldesi told the Ham&High that his heart was set on opening by the end of February.

He continued: “I’ve been in London in the last 50 years, and I’ve made sure that knowing Belsize Park, Marylebone, all of these places which are wonderful areas really.”

Robert Stephenson-Padron, co-ordinator of the Belsize Village Business Association, said: “A wonderful addition to the village.

"Welcome Caldesi to beautiful Belsize Village. Thank you for fittingly investing in the Italian piazza in London.”