Pizza Hut changes to Pasta Hut

Pizza Hut has changed its name to Pasta Hut in an attempt to update its image in the UK and attract more customers.

As consumers shun restaurants in favour of cheaper takeaways or pub fare, Pizza Hut is ditching its brand in 30 branches to highlight a new menu focussed on pasta dishes.

The company, owned by Yum! Brands, is spending £100 million over the next six years to revamp its chain, helping it to become more upmarket.

Customers will have a wider range of dishes to choose from, which will also be healthier, and nutritional information will be displayed within stores.

The new pasta dishes will also be on the takeaway menu to take advantage of the growing eat-in market.

Chief executive Alasdair Murdoch said: "We're trying to say to people, 'Yes, we're great at pizzas, but we're also great at salads and pasta'."

However, the name is only for a trial period and customers can vote on the change at www.pastahut.co.uk.