A town centre pizza restaurant has been put on the market for £1.25 million.

Prezzo closed its doors earlier this year after the Italian chain struggled to live with the rising costs of utility bills and wage inflation.

As a result, the site in Earl Street, Maidstone, was one of many in the county which was axed.

The fully-fitted timber frame restaurant has now been put up for sale for £1.25m. It is also available to rent for £65,000 a year.

It is understood the mock Tudor-style Grade-II listed building was constructed in the 19th century as two separate buildings before merging.

In April, Prezzo was left with 97 restaurants and about 2,000 staff – the Broadstairs and Canterbury branches were two in Kent which survived the closures.

A spokesman for the chain said: “Costs have leapt over the past year, with its utility bills more than doubling and double-digit wage inflation”.

They added it had also been impacted by soaring food inflation, which hit a 45-year high last month, with Prezzo witnessing a 40% increase in the cost of spaghetti, 28% rise in pizza sauce and 15% increase in the cost of its dough balls.

The eatery had previously been voted Restaurant of the Year by Kent Messenger readers in 2005.

The three-storey restaurant seats up to 72 people, including 18 outdoor spaces. There is 2,174 sq ft of space on the ground floor, 1,550 sq ft on the first floor and 920 sq ft on the second floor.

It provides an opportunity for someone to join a wealth of food options in Earl Street, including Wildwoods, Wagamama, the Giggling Squid, Pizza Express, Nandos, Zizzi’s and Five Guys.

The entire building is available to let on a new full repairing and insuring lease for a minimum of 15 years.

Alternatively, the freehold interest is available at a price of £1.25 million, subject to contract.

The site is licensed to open until midnight and to sell alcohol.

To view the property, email admin@warrantgroup.net or call 01923 230414.