A GREEK restaurant which has been running in the town for nearly two decades will be closing its doors this weekend.

Bar Meze in Hitchin will close, because owner Carl Barton thinks it needs a drastic change to cope in difficult economic times.

But the Bucklersbury venue will relaunch in two weeks time as a new wine bar called The Brick Rooms.

It will primarily serve wine and cocktails downstairs, with the upper floor used to serve a range of food different to that served at Bar Meze.

Mr Barton, who also owns The Ivory, said: “Unfortunately, the way things are and with it [Bar Maze] being a very niche custom, I’ve had to take the decision of what to do with the restaurant.

“I decided that it needed a change. Rather than make a small change, I decided to go for a big one.

“We’ve had a lot of reaction. People are disappointed, but they are looking forward to seeing what the new venue will be about.”

All staff who work at Bar Meze will be kept on at the venue, which is likely to stay open later than it currently does.

But Mr Barton wanted to reassure people that the bar and later opening hours would not attract any trouble.

“It’s going to be a laid back environment, somewhere you can go and relax for a few drinks,” he added.

“I also own The Ivory, but it will be a very different demographic to that.”

The venue, which will relaunch on Thursday, March 28, will undergo refurbishment in the time it is closed.