The "final chapter" has begun at an award-winning Norwich restaurant as it goes up for sale. 

Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar opened in St Andrews Hill 14 years ago and customers are greeted by the charismatic owner Alessandro Tranquillo.

Head chef Barry Wood joined the team in summer 2023 and the restaurant has since earned two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

It also won the 'Front of House Experience' category at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2024.

L-R: Nick Mills (sponsor - Caistor Hall), Alessandro Tranquillo, Sofia Wood, Flora Maconachie and Barry Wood Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and VideographerL-R: Nick Mills (sponsor - Caistor Hall), Alessandro Tranquillo, Sofia Wood, Flora Maconachie and Barry Wood (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer)

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With the recent achievements in mind, it is bittersweet for Mr Tranquillo and his wife Elena as they put the restaurant up for sale. 

It is available for £199,950 through the EMF Group, but the couple insists it will be "business as usual until further notice". 

Bishop's Dining Room holds two AA Rosettes for culinary excellenceBishop's Dining Room holds two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence (Image: Newsquest)

Customers are encouraged to book for the festive period and Mr Wood is staying on until they leave.

In a post on social media, Mr Tranquillo, 65, said: "Some of you may know, by the conversations and jokes shared at the bar before or after your meal, that Elena and I have been planning on moving to Lake Como.

Alessandro Tranquillo opened Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar in 2010Alessandro Tranquillo opened Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar in 2010 (Image: Newsquest)

"After 14 years in this wonderful restaurant, our final chapter at Bishop’s begins."

Mr Tranquillo is originally from Lake Como in Northern Italy and he moved to England in 1982.

He worked at top London establishments, such as the Savoy Grill, before relocating to Norwich in 1998. 

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Speaking to this paper, he added: "I love my job but I work a lot of hours and need to think about my health.

Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar in St Andrews Hill, NorwichBishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar in St Andrews Hill, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

"I am so proud of the team and what we have achieved - I would love for us to get three AA Rosettes before I leave."

Once in Lake Como, they are planning to help out a relative who runs Airbnbs there.

He added: "Our customers are fantastic and so supportive - I will miss them all."