A selection of VIP guests were among the first to sample a taste of the gastro cuisine at Wirral’s newest restaurant.

Nova, in Pensby Road, Heswall, held its official opening with guest of honour John Barnes. And to mark this special occasion an auction to raise funds for Claire House was held.

Chef Patron Moyo and his wife, Jana, who run the restaurant welcomed key influential businessmen and women from across the North West to the event, which raised more than £1,500 for Claire House.

Moyo said: “I was delighted to see so many people at the opening and I hope many of these people will now become our regular customers. I look forward to welcoming them back to the restaurant.”

Nova is Slovakian for “new” and the name has been inspired by Jana and her Slovakian roots.

The couple have already built up a strong reputation within Wirral’s local dining community.

Moyo, who is originally from Nigeria, began his culinary training at Telford College, in Edinburgh, and had cooking posts at two of the city’s five star hotels, including the Balmoral and Caledonian Hilton Hotel.

His career highlights include working for Michelin-starred establishments in Jersey and London, in addition to working for such famous names as Pierre Koffman.

He moved to Wirral eight years ago, where he met his wife Jana. Opening a restaurant has always been the couple’s dream.

Further details about Nova are available from: 0151 342 5595 You can also find Nova on Facebook: ‘Nova Heswall’ and Twitter: - @novarestaurant