There’s been some festive cheer at Brightwells Yard this week with the opening of a new pizza restaurant.

Monte Forte Pizza has officially joined the growing list of venues at the town centre development, becoming its first dining spot.

The Neapolitan-style pizzeria welcomed its first customers on Monday, December 2 as it launched its third nationwide location, following other branches in Reigate and Horsham.

The business was founded by Paolo and Luca Malavasi as a food truck in Redhill Market in 2017.

In a statement, the brothers said: “We’re so excited to bring you Neapolitan pizza done the Monte Forte way. For us, it’s all about incredible pizza, passion, and people. Farnham, we can’t wait to fire up the oven and welcome you to Monte Forte.”

To celebrate both the new opening and the festive season, Surrey County Council has given an early gift to visitors: free parking at the Brightwells Yard car park, just off Dogflud Way, over the Christmas period.

This initiative aims to encourage shoppers to visit the development and support its new businesses.

Although the development has faced delays and rumours of businesses pulling out, Brightwells Yard now boasts a range of establishments including Pirates Landing, Jetts Gym, Pilates Movement Studio, Reel Cinema, and Charters Estate Agents.

One more major opening is set for the end of the year, as popular Portuguese-style chicken restaurant Nando's puts the finishing touches on its new branch in Brightwells Yard.