Last burgers sold at Hacienda

Owner Tim Sandy closed the restaurant for the last time – after more than 40 years in Bridge Street – joined by Jack Peters, Nick Wilks and Dave Malia of Lounge Leisure and staff Ting Sun and Yvonne Hamer.

He is now moving equipment and fittings out of the Hacienda – built on the site of the 1960s Wimpy kiosk 13 years ago – with hoardings to go up and work start later today.

Mr Sandy said: "Stan Hugo – the chef that was with us when we moved into the Hacienda came back to cook the last burgers, which were enjoyed by Jack, Nick and Dave. We have been based in Bridge Street for more than 40 years so it was a big day.

"I am now hoping to open the Wimpy in the old PC Dreams store across the road, which is expected to take about two to three months to set up.

"Making a big move like this is always very exciting and I believe the new development will be a really great for Stafford.

"These are local people who are offering the town something really different.

"When the Hacienda was built it was something that really stood out and that's what the development is set to do as well.

"We would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers over the years and while we are working to open up the new Bridge Street restaurant the kiosk at Milford remains open."

The new nightspot will be named Casa and will keep the Mediterranean theme, with an outside piazza and two roof terraces.

The over 21s bar will be split level – with room for older and younger crowds and will hold more than 500 people.

Casa has already been granted a late drinks and entertainment licence and planning permission has been given for it to triple in size.

The developers hope that if the renovations go according to plan it will be open by late summer or early autumn.

Freddie and Tim Sandy will keep the freehold on the building with Lounge Leisure Ltd granted a 25 year lease with the option to extend if they wish.