Deciding to take a punt on the town centre ahead of its multi-million-pound regeneration plans, Francesco Cangemi launched Bella Roma after months of hard graft and renovation works in mid-June.
With Francesco’s family formerly running Bella Roma on George Street, the Claughton Street restaurant pays homage to his family history while adding a modern, personal touch.
Francesco, who also has experience of running Little Italy with his two brothers in Rainford, has been encouraged by the response to the new Bella Roma and plans to capitalise on this success.
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Inside the Claughton Street restaurant (Image: St Helens Star) Francesco, 36, said: “[The response] has been mega and we are well booked up in the evenings.
“Daytime [trade] is difficult because of low footfall in the town centre, but it is getting better and better, and we’re seeing lots of repeat customers already.
“The evening menu has definitely paid off, so we’re just looking at trying new things to bring people in.”
A Bella Roma pizza (Image: Bella Roma) Similar to Little Italy, Bella Roma focuses on fresh and authentic Italian ingredients, with a wide variety of pastas and pizzas on offer.
The Claughton Street business also serves up a mouth-watering selection of starters, sandwiches, specials, and small plates, which has allowed the kitchen to vary up its offer and entice customers with more options.
And while Francesco is happy with how the business has fared so far, he is aiming to build on this with a neighbouring unit, which is currently being renovated into an expanded restaurant space.
Planned to open at the end of the month, the extra space can be used as a spill over area at busy periods, Francesco explains, but also as a place to try new things such as afternoon tea, bottomless brunches, wine tastings, and private functions, all with an authentic Italian twist.
The restaurant also sells a selection of sandwiches and small plates throughout the day (Image: Bella Roma) Speaking about his hopes for the business moving forward, Francesco added: “We’ve been slowly trying out different things [since opening] and this [extra unit] will give us plenty of space to offer even more.
“I thought that now was a great time to get in [to the town centre] ahead of the regeneration plans, and I think we are in a great location going forward.
“Hopefully people can use the afternoon teas and bottomless brunches as a stepping stone before getting the train or going to other venues in the town centre, as it will be great to have a good mix of places to try in St Helens.”
Francesco outside the town centre Italian restaurant (Image: St Helens Star)
Dining and Cooking