A MUCH-LOVED restaurant owner is set to take the next step in his career after more than three decades.

Amoroso Carpenito has been cooking Italian food in Westhoughton for 36 years and has spent the last 16 years at his restaurant Andiamo, in Lower Leigh Road.

Now, the 59-year-old is set to concentrate on outside catering for events and has put the restaurant up for sale.

Mr Carpenito says he took the tough decision so he and his wife, Andrea, can focus on something different in order to give himself more time with his family, including nine grandchildren.

“I have a long term plan to retire to spend much needed time with my family, friends and grandchildren,” he said.

“This is going to mean I will not be working flat out and I will instead be concentrating on outside catering.”

The chef will not be leaving cooking behind and says he is available to cater for a range of events, from cold buffets to fine dining.

“I’m passionate about this food, the quality and making sure that the customers are satisfied every single time they come,” he said.

“When they give you a compliment or say something nice about the food that’s really a great part of the job.”

Meanwhile, the Andiamo restaurant site is now available for offers through estate agency Miller Metcalfe.

The former pub building includes two dining areas and a bar with fully fitted industrial kitchen. There is a two-bedroom apartment above the restaurant and a large carpark behind.

Jason Lee, national sales manager of SDL Auctions, described the property as “bright” and with “a chic modern look”.

Anyone interested in hiring Mr Carpenito for events should contact him directly on 07491 733374.

Alternatively, anyone with an interest in buying the restaurant building should contact Miller Metcalfe Westhoughton on 01942 566526.