The saga of a controversial Norwich restaurant being run from a suburban home could finally be coming to an end after its owner was ordered to cease trading.

Orlando Williams, who owns Orlando's in Earlham Road, has evaded Norwich City Council inspectors for more than five years serving food to diners in his living room and even providing Deliveroo and Uber Eats takeaways.

But following a recent investigation, Mr Williams has now been ordered to cease trading by October 10 or face prosecution after the city council decided it was "in the public interest" for the food service business to close.

Norwich Evening News: Orlando's is delivered to the steps of Norwich City HallOrlando's is delivered to the steps of Norwich City Hall (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Bizarre 'restaurant' row continues as B&B warned after hygiene inspection

Mr Williams will still be able to serve breakfast to customers in the B&B he runs legitimately, which will remain open.

It comes after previous investigations concluded there was "no evidence" Mr Williams was serving food beyond his B&B services.

Norwich Evening News: Evening News reporter Casey Cooper-Fiske delivers an Orlando's lunch for newly selected council boss Mike StonardEvening News reporter Casey Cooper-Fiske delivers an Orlando's lunch for newly selected council boss Mike Stonard (Image: Newsquest)

The council's enforcement notice comes after this newspaper ordered an Orlando's lunch for newly elected city council boss Mike Stonard and had it delivered by Uber Eats to the steps of City Hall.

A council spokeswoman said: "The nature and intensity of activity at Orlando’s increased from February of this year, as did the number of complaints we received. 

"The council met with Mr Williams and monitored activity at the business, which has resulted in this enforcement notice being served.

“The notice requires the business to stop restaurant service for any customers who are not bed and breakfast guests and to stop any takeaway service.

Norwich Evening News: Orlando's boss Orlando WilliamsOrlando's boss Orlando Williams (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Orlando's v Norwich City Council: The story so far

The spokeswoman added that Mr Williams has one month to appeal this notice, adding: "If he does not appeal, Mr Williams will need to stop running a restaurant and takeaway service at this address by October 10 or face prosecution.”

Mr Williams, whose Ber Street restaurant Yakiniku closed in 2015, has consistently denied running a restaurant from his home - including after receiving a two-star food hygiene rating for the B&B from the city council in April.

'I'll believe it when I see it'

In a letter sent to neighbours who have been battling for Orlando's to be closed, a council official acknowledged that their patience had been "tested" during the last five years.

Mr Williams' neighbour, Becky Greengrass, welcomed the news.

Norwich Evening News: Orlando's in Earlham RoadOrlando's in Earlham Road (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "I am relieved but I'll believe it when I see it.

"We've had things like this before, he was told to take that sign down but it's still there.

"I can smell him cooking now so it's clear he's not taken immediate notice of the order."