TV chef Marco Pierre White has announced he will be opening a restaurant in Swindon next month.
He will be opening Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar following the successful openings of the chain already in Bristol and Birmingham.
The new 80-cover restaurant will be on Wood Street in the former The Old Bank restaurant.
The restaurant takes its name from the town of Marco’s mother’s birth, Bardolino, a stunning lakeside town on Lake Garda in northern Italy. It will feature an all-day express menu of authentic Italian food, coffees and Bellinis.
As the name suggests, pizza is the star dish, however, the restaurant will also focus on Italy’s other classic plate – pasta.
Restaurant goers can expect a variety of authentic stone-baked pizzas, homemade pastas and traditional desserts. Marco will also offer a delicious brunch menu that is available daily and becomes bottomless at weekends, with unlimited Bellinis paired with any item from the brunch menu.
The restaurant décor is going to have a true Mediterranean feel about it with warm colours and washed woods to create an ‘ultra-casual’ and relaxed setting.
Bardolino will occupy the ground floor of a three-story building. Manni Madhani will operate Bardolino under licence from the celebrity chef’s Black & White Hospitality business and will also manage The Bank bars which are located on floor 1 and 2 of the building.
Marco Pierre White said: “Bardolino represents affordable, friendly and casual dining with authentic recognisable Italian dishes.
“After months of planning for the opening, I’m very much looking forward to opening the doors and offering a real taste of Italy to Swindon diners.”
Nick Taplin, CEO at Black & White Hospitality, said: “Marco and I have a great relationship with Manni and we’re very much looking forward to working together on this venture.
“Bardolino is sure to be a hit with both day-time and evening diners. The high street has changed a lot in the past few years and the demand for casual dining has become increasingly popular. A trend we believe is here to stay.
“This concept is designed to offer a fresh alternative, where authentic, uncomplicated food served promptly is absolutely essential.
“The setting, although influenced by a rustic Italian village, will be vibrant and a little bit quirky with the décor reflecting both old and the new.”
An image of Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar in The Cube, Birmingham. The Swindon restaurant, which opens next month, will feature a similar design to create a relaxed setting.
