A HISTORIC Southampton building is to be transformed into a new restaurant.

Ironside House, the former Chiquito restaurant and bar, at Ocean Village in Southampton has been sold by Savills to HSS Properties (Southampton) Ltd for an "undisclosed sum".

The purchase by David Hall, founder of the Casa Brasil restaurant group, will be the first site for his new restaurant operation Ocean Grill.

He is set to be joined by his long-time friend and business partner Giuseppe Farinella.

The new restaurant will bring back old-school restaurant service and specialise in charcoal grilling of the finest wagyu beef steaks and fish with an old fashioned twist of flambé at the table.

Casa Brasil operates three restaurants in the UK including Westquay in Southampton, Port Solent near Portsmouth and Cabot Circus in Bristol.

The characterful mid-19th century former dock building, known historically as Ironside House, hides an impressive, spacious interior under a stunning slate clerestory roof and extends to around 330 Sq m.

The venue sits behind Ocean Village Marina, which includes other businesses such as Harbour Hotel and Jetty Restaurant, Maritimo Lounge (Loungers), Banana Wharf, Pitcher & Piano and fine dining restaurant Blue Jasmine, as well as a number of residential homes.

Chris Bickle, Director in the Licensed Leisure team at Savills Southampton, said: "With lockdown restrictions easing we expect hospitality businesses to benefit from the pent up demand as consumers begin to enjoy eating, drinking and socialising in venues once again.”