A DERELICT former DVD rental store in Penarth is set to be transformed into a new restaurant and bar.

The old Blockbuster store on the corner of Hickman Road and Windsor Road, which has been left abandoned for years, will be replaced by Brewstone.

The plans have officially been given the go ahead by the Vale council's planning department.

Brewstone was founded and is owned by Bruno Nunes and Mike Griffiths who both have 40 years of experience in the industry developing food and drinks concepts.

They opened up the first Brewstone restaurant in Uplands in Swansea in December 2014.

They then opened the second half of the building, The Copper Bar, in November 2015 and have been working towards perfecting the concept ever since - ensuring it was perfected before opening another in Penarth.

Brewstone focuses on artisan coffee, craft beers and wood fire cuisine. The owners aim is that it is "genuine, independent and simplified with no pretence."

The pair chose Penarth for their newest restaurant, as they feel it is to Cardiff what Uplands is to Swansea and that it has a similar feel.

Mr Nunes said: "I feel a connection to the town as I've lived there before and my children currently go to school there.

"I am excited to open in the town and I hope we can create something the locals are going to love.

"We don't want it to feel like a chain or corporate in any way."

The hope is that the interior will have the same feel and style as Brewstone in Uplands, but will be customised and adjusted to fit the new venue.

Mr Nunes said: The success of Brewstone is founded on people, products and place.

"That is great people, quality products and a perfect place.

"The venue in Uplands has become massively popular and has been referred to as a Little London in Swansea by some."

They can't commit to an official opening date yet but hope to be up and running by around mid 2017.