A POPULAR pizza and dessert restaurant in Winchester has reopened after weeks of closure. 

The Republic of Pizza and Dessert, in High Street, closed at the start of April. 

The unexpected closed sign that appeared in the window remained there for several weeks with no staff or building works going on inside and no information given. 

However, this week, the restaurant reopened and was serving customers.

READ MORE: Winchester Republic of Pizza and Desserts - will it re-open?

The mystery as to why it closed hasn’t been solved due to the restaurant not being available and staff not willing to give comments on the matter. 

The restaurant was rated four out of five for hygiene from its last check in August. 

Its closure prompted concern from the community, which also saw city restaurant Prezzo shut down for good this week citing rising costs as the reason. 

The Republic of Pizza and Dessert is one of a chain and it has another venue in Eastleigh which has been open throughout the Winchester High Street branch closure.