A family-run Italian restaurant which has been open for almost five decades has been sold at auction.

Dino’s in Dover was popular for the likes of its homemade gnocchi, carbonara and cannelloni.

The Castle Street eatery began its seaside journey when owner Angelo Borrello’s father Dino opened the venue back in 1977.

However, 47 years on and Angelo has decided to hang up his own apron for retirement.

Mr Borrello, who ran Dino’s with his wife Lorna, insisted he will miss their loyal customers who have “treated us like family”.

His decision led to the restaurant being auctioned with Clive Emson this week ahead of the restaurant’s final service on New Year’s Eve.

The 132sq m site was sold to a private bidder at its guide price of £170,000 on Wednesday.

Auctioneers described the property, which features a rear courtyard, as “a period end-terrace property”.

“The ground floor and basement may be suitable for a variety of commercial uses or, perhaps, residential conversion, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.

“The upper parts comprise a three-bedroom maisonette with a separate side access which is now in need of improvement.

“The property is situated in a central location to the town centre and within walking distance of Market Square, St James' retail park and the seafront.”

Prior to its sale, Angelo told KentOnline that age and ill health have prevented the restaurant from reaching its 50th anniversary.

The 66-year-old explained: “We followed in my mother and father's footsteps and what they were doing, we were doing, because it worked and everybody was happy.

“It's more like a family with customers. They treated us like family and that was lovely.

“We've got lots of kids that have come in saying they've grown up in here because they've been coming since they were babies, and then they've grown up to be parents themselves and have their own families.

“Now that makes you feel old.”

Angelo’s parents, Dino and Clara, left Italy when he was a child and worked in restaurants in Soho and Folkestone before being offered the chance to own their bistro in Dover, which they launched in May 1977.

Using traditional, unwritten recipes from the southern Italian town of Malvito, the couple became legends of the area with Angelo later joining the business.

Some of its most famous faces through the doors included Formula One World Champion of 1976, James Hunt.

But with Dino travelling the world to work in the industry, it often fell to Clara and Angelo to hold down the fort. They were later joined by Lorna when she married into the family.

Throughout their time at the restaurant, Angelo and Lorna have seen a dramatic shift in business with changes in the port industry.

“Through Covid, we managed because we were the only restaurant in Dover that was still open doing takeaways,” said Angelo.

“You can't predict anything since the pandemic. What's going to happen one week to the next - it's just so different.”

Dino died in 2016 and Clara passed away three years later.

Angelo and Lorna, whose sons have chosen to follow their own path, previously said they do not think a new owner will keep it as a restaurant.

“It won't be the same. I think a restaurant is atmosphere, food, and I don't think you'll get that again,” Lorna said.

“If you look up the road, all of Castle Street has been developed into flats and apartments.

“But you know, we've done all we can, not just for us, but for the community.”