Marco Pierre White is to open two new restaurants in Brentwood and Milton Keynes.

Opening in October and November respectively, the new venues fall under the celebrity chef's New York Italian brand which is inspired by his Italian heritage and love for New York. They are also the first of the next generation of New York Italian restaurants following a 12-month research and development programme that's resulted in a new style, look and feel.

Reflecting the hustle and bustle of New York and Marco's passion for simplicity, the food includes a mix of Italian-inspired dishes and American classics.

Both Brentwood and Milton Keynes will serve the brand-new New York Italian menu which will be rolled out across the brand's 11 restaurants in Autumn 2018. Created by Marco, it includes a greater influence of American food that complements some of his favourite Italian dishes and fits the new style and ambience or the interior.

Marco said: "My New York Italian restaurants represent friendly and casual dining with recognisable family favourites and classic dishes that you'd expect to find in one of the world's greatest cities.

"The new menu offers a fresh alternative, where authentic, uncomplicated food is served promptly.

"We want groups of friends and couples to come in to enjoy lunch or a special dinner, or parents to bring their children for a meal out, where they are made to feel welcome and fussed over. It's not pretentious, it's just good food, served in a great environment."

With bookings already being taken guests can expect a host of new American dishes plus a variety of authentic stone-baked pizzas, meats from the grill and pasta. Those who dine within the first month of opening will also receive a glass of Prosecco on arrival.

The wine selection includes white wines from the acclaimed Jean-Luc Colombo, which have been chosen exclusively for Marco's restaurants. Regarded as one of the of the most celebrated winemakers in the Rhône, these white wines have been specifically created with food in mind and complement Marco's dishes perfectly.

The New York Italian operates under licence from the celebrity chef's Black & White Hospitality business.

Nick Taplin, CEO of Black & White Hospitality said: "Our first New York Italian opened back in 2011 and a lot has changed since then. This prompted us to develop a new look and introduce a new menu and reflects what diners come to expect in terms of atmosphere, ambience and food.

"Marco is passionate about making sure people enjoy their time in any of his restaurants and to have him personally develop the menu while overseeing the new interior design demonstrates just how much he cares.

"We'll now look forward to rolling out the new look New York Italian with a number of venues already in the pipeline."