A CHEF is preparing to open a new restaurant in the former home of a much-loved Italian eatery. Shea Bevan and his partner Lara Ware are set to launch a small-plates restaurant, Russet, on Bridge Street, inside the former site of Ponte Vecchio. The Italian restaurant closed earlier this month after many years of service. "Bridge Street is becoming the place to be, isn’t it," he said. The new restaurant will focus on fresh, locally sourced produce and fresh fish, offering something a little bit different.