Stamford Hill restaurateurs have denied speculation that they are about to take over the premises of Isola Bella, the Golders Green kosher restaurant, which is said to have closed.

This week, a “closed for refurbishment” sign was affixed to the door of Isola Bella. Meanwhile, the owners of Asado, a Stamford Hill Mediterranean bistro serving meat dishes, were rumoured to be in negotiations to take over the premises, with the intention of establishing a new restaurant.

Although admitting his firm had approached the Isola Bella proprietors, Yanky Fischer, the co-owner of Asado, told the JC there was no prospect of striking a deal “in the next few months.

“We were in talks but nothing materialised. It’s still on the open market and we are interested.

“We would intend to bring something new to the market but at the moment nothing has happened. There are too many complications.”