A NEW restaurant has announced plans to expand – just a week after opening.

The Smokehouse by The Dean, a Texan barbecue-style restaurant, unveiled its outdoor eating space on Barrow Street, St Helens last week.

With the venue's sister restaurant, The Dean, also hosting outside hospitality at weekend, the street was buzzing wirh life in the Saturday sunshine as customers sampled the alfresco experience.

The owners have unveiled plans to develop the Smokehouse further by expanding into a neighbouring unit, which is occupied by salon Classy Cuts.

The salon is set to relocate over the road to its other premises, Forever Tanning and Beauty.

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Bosses at the Smokehouse say it will pave way for the expansion plans to create a bigger indoor dining space.

In a statement owners Eddie Dean and his wife Vicky said: "Classy Cuts owner, Mandy has been incredibly supportive of our ventures both at The Dean, and with this restaurant – and we are grateful for her working with us.

"We'd also like to thank Paul Nicholson, and the team at LUXOR who are working with us to merge the two units to create an even bigger Texan Barbecue Restaurant in the heart of St Helens.

"We'd also like to thank St Helens Council who've been instrumental in the expansion, with support regarding our plans, and guidance - especially pedestrianising Barrow Street on a weekend. Gary Maddock has also been invaluable."

Due to the expansion, the resaurant will be closed on Mondays on Tuesday until completion.