Carbonara in Westcott Place shut down back in February 2024, reopening on October 24 after the owner of Fabio’s and Grano Lab, Gianni Pau, took over the business.
The owner of the former Old Town Italian restaurant Gaetano’s, Carlo Sibilla, and bartender Nuno Miguel also helped the business to thrive for several months, until the sudden announcement was made that the ‘difficult decision’ had been reached to close for good on Monday, June 16.
A Facebook post read: “Dear Customers,
“With deep regret, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Carbonara Restaurant.
“We’ve poured our hearts into this journey and are incredibly grateful for the many loyal and lovely customers we’ve had the pleasure to serve. Sadly, despite our best efforts, we haven’t been able to sustain the business.
“Thank you for every visit, every smile, and every kind word. You’ve truly meant a lot to us.”
Nuno Miguel, Carlo Sibilla and Gianni Pau (Image: Dave Cox)
(Image: Dave Cox) The news has been met by sadness among loyal customers who have said they are sorry to hear that ‘one of the best restaurants in Swindon’ has been forced to close.
One commentator said: “It’s a terrible climate and fantastic you did this. Really sorry to read this and wish you all the best.”
The venue unexpectedly closed before Christmas 2022 due to ill health and personal reasons, leaving customers who had made festive bookings to rearrange their plans.
It was then put up for sale, but a U-turn was announced in July 2023, with owners Lino and Sue Goncalves confirming they were actually going to reopen the eatery as Carbonara Trattoria & Bar.
Then in September 2023, co-owner Sue Matthews died just weeks after the restaurant had undergone a refit and reopened.
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Following Sue’s death, an announcement was made that Lino and his sons would be keeping the restaurant going, but months later announced they had to close due to a ‘personal health emergency.’
Gianni told the Adver he was excited to open his third Swindon-based restaurant.
He said: “We are bringing something new to Swindon with Roman dishes including the pinsa romana – a different style of pizza – as well as classic Italian dishes.”
The businessman later said: “In a mid-life crisis, you either buy a Ferrari or a restaurant. I chose the restaurant.”
Carbonara has been contacted about the closure.